IT is no secret that Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is sharpening its weapons and preparing to “battle” against Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the upcoming election.
This much is said to have emerged after the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak State Meeting, which was held in Kuching on Feb 23.
PKR representatives were said to have received the “green light” at the meeting to contest in various seats across Sarawak.
The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will defend its two seats, Padungan and Pending, which were nearly lost in the 2021 State Election, while also fielding candidates in all GPS strongholds contested by the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).
Of course, Chong Chieng Jen positions himself as the “underdog” in challenging Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, aiming to break the spirit of SUPP, repeating the dark and painful history they created against Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam and Tan Sri Dr Wong Soon Kai when both were at the peak of SUPP’s power.
Interestingly, this time, they are also targeting the Batu Lintang state seat, currently held by See Chee How, a seat that their candidate, Voon Lee Shan, once represented before it was exchanged with the Padungan state seat, which belonged to PKR and was then represented by Dominique Ng.
It is understood that Parti Amanah Negara (PAN) Sarawak is also eyeing the Demak Laut and Batu Kitang state seats.
In the last Sarawak state election, the Batu Kitang seat was contested by DAP through its Malay candidate, Abdul Aziz Isa, who is no longer an ally of DAP.
It is said that PKR will be given a significant opportunity to capture several “hot” seats identified, including those previously won by the Sarawak United Party (PSB).
This is particularly interesting because the two PSB seats, now held by the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), which PKR is eyeing, are the Ba’kelalan and Engkilili state seats.
They will need substantial funding and strong candidates to unseat Baru Bian, who has held the seat for three consecutive terms, as well as Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa, who has been the Engkilili assemblyman since 2006, flying five different political flags in the process.
Even though they are excited about contesting in the elections, as has been openly declared since last year, especially by the “young faction” within the party, PKR must first focus on its internal elections, which are highly competitive.
Candidate nominations for PKR’s party election will be from Friday to Sunday, involving all 31 party divisions in Sarawak.
Therefore, those who wish to contest must establish their stance and campaign accordingly.
Unfortunately, the party lacks a figure like Iswardy Morni, who could heat up the political atmosphere.
In party politics, it is not easy to campaign in Sarawak without credibility and a strong team.
This is especially true when many new-generation candidates are emerging, while many from the older generation are beginning to retire.
Will some incumbent candidates sink in this election? Who will withdraw or be strategically taken down?
Interestingly, strong rumours suggest that the Sri Aman Division Chief, who is also the State Deputy Secretary-General and Chief Information Officer, Tay Wei Wei, is unlikely to defend his position.
Instead, he is rumoured to be interested in moving to the Serian Division and challenging the current Division Chief, Senior William Rade.
It is believed that the motive behind this move is that Wei Wei is confident that if he becomes the division chief, he will be able to contest in the state and parliamentary elections in the area, where his chances of winning are high.
This is further strengthened by his position as a special officer to the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution, who holds a strong voter appeal.
Will Senior simply allow himself to be challenged and overthrown without resistance?
Another intriguing development is that the Sarawak PKR Leadership Council (MPN) Chairman, Roland Engan, does not intend to defend his position.
This opens the door for several candidates to lobby for the role.
It is understood that the Deputy Chairman of MPN Sarawak, who is also the Santubong Division Chief, Ahmad Nazib Johari, has begun lobbying for the position.
And, of course, the same position is also being eyed by the Hulu Rejang Division Chief, a Central Leadership Council (MPP) member, Senator Abun Sui.
According to the information received, Abun has been actively moving in his stronghold in northern Sarawak to gain support.
This sequence of events has sparked an interesting episode within the reformist party.
Will Nazib be able to surpass Abun in popularity?
What about Chiew Choon Man, the PKR Youth Chief, the party’s sole representative from Sarawak in the Dewan Rakyat? Is he not qualified to try his luck?
PKR has set May 24 for the election of the Central Leadership Council (MPP), Women’s Leadership Council (MPWP), and Youth Leadership Council (MPAMKP).
So, who among the Sarawak representatives will step forward?

Returning to the agenda of fielding candidates for the Sarawak State Election and Parliament, as announced by the Sarawak PKR Leadership Council (MPN) in the PH meeting, does this move have the blessing of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is now confirmed to lead the party for another term?
Will Anwar risk his good relations with Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, especially when the party has provided “critical support” to ensure he became Prime Minister and successfully formed the government?
Anwar faces a major dilemma in handling the demands of his supporters in Borneo.
Even if they contest, victory is not guaranteed, as the GPS government remains formidable.
With a diverse range of projects, a growing economy, and multiple achievements, challenging GPS is like sailing through a sea of fire.
If they sink, they will drown and burn to ashes.
Federal-level relations may also be jeopardised due to greed and miscalculated decisions at this time.
What is sure and very clear is that the chess piece is not in the hands of Sarawak PKR’s MPN.
Anwar carefully observes before making a decision, with a smile.
Even Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin was instructed to admit defeat during the recount in the Bagan Datuk parliamentary election in the last general election, let alone the candidates from Sarawak, who are already clearly facing defeat even before entering the race.