Three Bidayuh seats to watch

KUCHING: Opar, Tasik Biru and Mambong will be the most closely watched Bidayuh-majority constituencies in Sarawak’s coming state election, says political analyst Professor Dr Novel Lyndon.
 
The Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) political sociology professor said the three seats stand out because of changing voter demographics, increasingly diverse political expectations and the growing importance of candidate credibility.
 
Despite describing them as the key battlegrounds within the Bidayuh belt, Novel believes Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) remains well placed to retain all three constituencies.
 
“Opar is a seat where voting behaviour is more open and flexible,” he said, noting that the constituency lies within the Mas Gasing parliamentary area represented by DAP.
 
According to him, the mixed voting pattern demonstrates that residents are willing to support different political parties depending on the quality of the candidate and whether the election is held at the parliamentary or state level.
 
He said local identity, land issues, development and the personality of candidates continue to exert significant influence in Opar, making candidate selection a decisive factor.
 
“GPS is still strong, but Opar could become more competitive if the opposition fields a respected local candidate,” he added.
 
Novel also identified Tasik Biru as another constituency undergoing gradual political transformation as Bau evolves into a more semi-urban district.
 
He said the growing presence of young voters, graduates, professionals and commuters working in Kuching has broadened the issues shaping electoral choices.
 
“These voters are concerned not only about physical development but also jobs, the cost of living, business opportunities, good governance and the future of their children,” he said.
 
While GPS continues to enjoy substantial support in Tasik Biru, Novel said changing social conditions could gradually reshape political thinking over time.
 
Mambong, meanwhile, presents a different political dynamic because of its proximity to Kuching, Padawan and Siburan.
 
He said the constituency now comprises a diverse mix of rural villagers alongside voters employed in government, private companies and urban businesses, creating a broader range of expectations from elected representatives.
 
“Younger voters are becoming more important, making Mambong a politically active constituency where different parties have already shown interest in contesting,” he said.
 
Nevertheless, Novel said GPS retains a clear advantage through its extensive grassroots machinery and experienced local leadership.
 
He attributed the coalition’s continued strength in all three seats to four key factors: the overall performance of the GPS government, the track record of incumbent representatives, ongoing implementation of development projects and the enduring popularity of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
 
“These factors continue to strengthen voter confidence in GPS,” he said.
 
Sarawak has eight Bidayuh-majority state constituencies — Opar, Tasik Biru, Serembu, Mambong, Tarat, Tebedu, Kedup and Bukit Semuja — which collectively form the community’s traditional political heartland across Greater Kuching, Bau, Serian and Padawan.
 
Novel said Bidayuh politics is evolving, but the shift should not be interpreted as a wholesale movement away from GPS.
 
Instead, he said voters are becoming more discerning, placing greater emphasis on the performance, accessibility and integrity of individual candidates while continuing to value political stability, effective leadership and sustained development.
 
“In the changing political environment, the party remains important, but the quality and performance of the candidate are becoming equally important,” he said.: