KUCHING: Speculation over the coming Sarawak election is steadily turning attention towards the Mambong state constituency as political activities intensify on the ground.
Although there is still no indication on when the next Sarawak State Election will be called, early signs suggest that Mambong could emerge as one of the hottest seats to watch.
At the moment, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is widely expected to retain its incumbent candidate, Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, unless there is an unexpected last-minute development.
Dr Jerip is no stranger to the constituency and has built a strong political presence in Mambong over the years.
The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) leader first won the seat in the 2016 state election under the Barisan Nasional banner before successfully defending it again in the 2021 state election under GPS.
In the last election, Dr Jerip secured a convincing victory, strengthening his standing as one of the key Bidayuh leaders in the area.
His continued visibility in community programmes, infrastructure development and rural outreach has helped maintain GPS’ foothold in the constituency.
Nevertheless, observations on the ground suggest that the coming contest may be more challenging compared to previous elections.
A three-cornered fight is now almost certain after Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) and Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) confirmed their intention to contest the seat.
The mobilisation by opposition parties has already become increasingly visible in recent months.
PBDS recently organised a pre-Gawai dinner in Siburan which reportedly drew around 500 supporters, signalling growing enthusiasm among party members and grassroots supporters.
If the spirit displayed during the gathering is any indication, PBDS appears determined to mount a serious challenge in Mambong.
Its secretary-general, Sanjan Daik, has openly confirmed that he will contest in the coming state election.
Sanjan is not entirely new to Sarawak politics. He previously contested in elections and has remained active in Dayak political circles over the years.
Although electoral success has so far eluded him, PBDS leaders believe the current political climate could provide the party with renewed momentum.
Meanwhile, PBM has also stepped up preparations through its potential candidate Diog Dios, who currently serves as PBM Sarawak’s state secretary.
Diog has been actively moving on the ground through house-to-house visits and engagement with local residents.
His grassroots approach is seen as part of PBM’s effort to strengthen its presence in semi-rural constituencies such as Mambong.
Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), which had earlier shown keen interest in entering the contest, may also not completely rule itself out from the race.
When contacted, PBK president, Voon Lee Shan, said the party had yet to make a final decision.
“We’re not settled and see how the chess is moved. I think PBK may not go for Mambong seat,” he said.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and the Democratic Action Party (DAP) – is understood to not eyeing the constituency against GPS.
The Mambong constituency, which has a sizeable Bidayuh voter base, is often viewed as politically significant due to its strategic location near Kuching and Serian Divisions.
Under the Sarawak Constitution, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has a five-year term.
The current term, formed after the December 2021 state election, is expected to expire in February next year unless dissolved earlier.
As political parties continue strengthening their machinery and courting voters, Mambong is increasingly shaping up as a constituency that may attract considerable attention once the election bell finally rings.
