BAU: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is widely expected to retain Tasik Biru and Opar in the coming state election despite Mas Gading being represented in Parliament by Democratic Action Party (DAP).
Conversations across Bau suggest many voters continue to distinguish between state and federal elections, with local political observers saying support for Sarawak-based parties remains deeply rooted when choosing representatives for the State Legislative Assembly.
While DAP has made significant gains in parliamentary contests since the 2018 general election, political sentiment on the ground indicates that voters still place considerable value on having a local-based party representing them in the state government.
A social activist from Bau, who requested anonymity, said many residents believe Sarawak’s interests are better safeguarded by local parties at the state level.
“GPS still has brighter chances of winning Tasik Biru and Opar. If Mordi Bimol contests in a straight fight in Tasik Biru, it may be competitive because of his profile, but GPS would still be the favourite. Traditionally, people here do not vote for Malayan-based parties in state elections,” the activist said.
The activist, however, acknowledged that parliamentary contests have evolved, with more voters now willing to support national opposition parties at the federal level.
Mas Gading parliamentary constituency, which comprises the Tasik Biru and Opar state seats, has emerged as one of Sarawak’s most closely watched political battlegrounds.
Although DAP has established a strong presence in parliamentary elections, many observers believe the political dynamics differ significantly during state polls.
The contest could become even more favourable for GPS should multiple opposition parties enter the fray.
Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has hinted at contesting both Tasik Biru and Opar, with sources claiming potential candidates have already begun grassroots engagements.
A multi-cornered contest is widely expected to split opposition votes, potentially strengthening GPS’ electoral prospects.
Tasik Biru and Opar remain strategically important because they are among Sarawak’s most prominent Bidayuh-majority constituencies. They cover much of Bau district within the Mas Gading parliamentary seat and have long been regarded as barometers of Bidayuh political sentiment.
Tasik Biru, in particular, has historically served as a testing ground for opposition parties seeking to expand beyond urban Chinese-majority constituencies into rural and semi-urban Bumiputera areas.
With speculation continuing over candidate line-ups and possible opposition alliances, political observers believe Tasik Biru and Opar will once again rank among the key constituencies to watch when Sarawakians head to the polls.
