PADAWAN: The campaigning period for the 15th general election (GE15), which began on Nov 5, ends at 11.59 pm today (Nov 18 ).
During the 14-day period, candidates took the opportunity to meet as many voters as possible. Many lamented that the campaigning period is “too short”.
For the Puncak Borneo parliamentary constituency, which consists of three state constituencies, nemely Serumbu, Mambong and Tarat, the campaigning process went smoothly without any trouble or unwanted incidents.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidate Datuk Willie Mongin admitted that retaining Puncak Borneo for GPS this time is a very challenging mission for him and the campaign machinery.
As early as 7 am, he was on his campaign trail which usually lasted until after midnight.
However, he has the GPS election machinery led by Tarat assemblyman Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil (Mambong) and Miro Simuh (Serumbu) to thank for tirelessly organising and making his campaign sessions smooth and successful.
According to political observer Dr Ahi Sarok, so far the campaign for Puncak Borneo for the GPS candidate have been well organised, covering every nook and corner.
“GPS was well received throughout the campaigns. This is my observation during the campaigns and conversations with the voters,” Ahi told New Sarawak Tribune.
Ahi believed that the GPS candidate has the upper hand because all the component parties in GPS are campaigning hard to ensure their candidate win the seat for the coalition.
Besides that, he also observed that postings in social media seem to favour the incumbent.
“Based on information received from unofficial sources, the chances for the incumbent to retain the seat is very bright with a 60 percent chance,” added Ahi.
He said voters in Puncak Borneo should vote for the incumbent and give full support to GPS so that the candidate can continue to implement unfinished programmes, projects and activities that were not in time for implementation because of the early dissolution of parliament.
“By voting for GPS means giving a bigger representation and a louder voice in parliament which would mean a bigger representation in the federal government when the representatives are appointed as ministers and deputy ministers.
“This also means that GPS have a more solid voice at the MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) negotiation table because they are being given a stronger mandate by the voters from Sarawak,” he added.
Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos was optimistic Willie will win with a bigger majority this time around.
“So far so good. I have spent my time helping Willie and GPS’ Lidang Disem (Mas Gading). Both will win and this is for certain.
“Willie has been working very hard and he is a very lucky man. Previously from Bersatu and now a GPS candidate, it looks like he is well received by the PBB boys,” Minos said.
He said he also observed that Roland, Jerip and Miro Simuh who are all PBB assemblymen are helping Willie all the way.
“With the past being set aside, PBB will ensure a good victory for Willie,” he said, adding that Willie’s opponent, PKR’s Diog Dios is not giving a good fight.
“Most probably he fears the GPS-PBB juggernaut. Maybe he knows that Sarawakians are all out for GPS with its ‘Sarawak First’ agenda.
“Victory is for sure for Willie. It is a question of the majority. I can say it will be a big one. His PKR opponent is pretty untested and unknown and as for the rest I have not heard about them (Iana Akam of Parti Sarawak Bersatu).
“Anyway, the opposition camps in Puncak Borneo are split…an advantage to Willie,” he added.
The Bidayuh pro-GPS and very Sarawak-oriented voters will also see victory in Serian and Mas Gading.
“The feeling is in the air. I can feel it after hearing the people and observing them carefully.
“It is a cause for joy to see GPS victories in Puncak Borneo, Mas Gading and Serian. A good day for the Bidayuh,” said Minos.
He further said there is no future for the Malaya-based DAP and PKR in Sarawak. Sarawakians no longer see anything good in Malaya-based party.
Another political observer Jimson Jium said based on his observation throughout the campaigns that he was involved in, he was optimistic that Willie will win but with a reduced majority.
He said PKR’s Diog Dios will get substantial votes and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Iana Akam appears to be not doing so well this time around.
“The people should vote for GPS in Puncak Borneo for a better future. Willie has a great chance to be appointed as minister and more funds and projects will benefit the people in Puncak Borneo.
“Willie is a committed representative and it has been proven during his first term as MP.
“He is approachable, he is young, vibrant and energetic,” he said.
Jium also commended the way campaigns in Puncak Borneo were conducted which were smooth and without untoward incidents.
Meanwhile, Wade was also optimistic that victory in Puncak Borneo will be in favour of Willie for reasons that the incumbent has done a lot for the development of the constituency in this first term.
He said the people in Puncak Borneo need GPS and believe that Willie’s vote majority will increase.
Bronie Marshall said Willie will win as he has strong support of the people.
“Willie is a humble and a down-to-earth leader. He have been working very hard in the past four years for the people of Puncak Borneo.
“As for the other two candidates, PKR’s Diog Dios and PSB’s Iana Akam, they are not so well known by the people in Puncak Borneo.
“We need to give our full support to Datuk Willie to win with a big majority as this is crucial for Puncak Borneo,” said Bronie.
He hoped Willie will be appointed as a full or deputy minister which will be good for the people of Puncak Borneo.
