Puncak Borneo a ‘grey’ area for BN – political analyst

KUCHING: Barisan Nasional (BN) can still retain all the Bidayuh-majority seats in the upcoming 14th General Election (GE14) with the possible exception of Puncak Borneo, predicts political analyst Dr Ahi Sarok.

Although the general perception has it that “whoever contests under BN ticket in Puncak Borneo will win,” Ahi was cautious about BN’s chances in the constituency this time around.

He said this was because there were indications of infighting within Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) circles in Puncak Borneo, which consists of three state seats – Mambong, Tarat and Serembu – over certain issues.

He said there were also indications of unhappiness among BN members if a certain individual is picked as the candidate.

“It will be tough for BN, not so much because the opposition is getting stronger, but because of the likely infighting and sabotage.

“If BN is not careful in picking its candidate, some element of backstabbing and sabotage may cause the downfall of BN in Puncak Borneo,” he said.

Aside from that, Ahi said lack of servicing by incumbent Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit is another factor that must not be taken lightly.

He noted that due to health reasons, Dawos had been unable to do what he had previously been doing – visiting electorates frequently during his healthy days.

“Personally, Puncak Borneo is a grey area for now unless BN can settle the existing issues as soon as possible,” he said.

Ahi, who is an Associate Professor of Unimas’ Faculty of Social Science, believes that BN should name its candidate for Puncak Borneo early and not at the last minute for the seat to move out from the grey-rated area.

Speculation has it that there are up to 20 potential candidates lobbying for the seat and Ahi believed that by announcing the candidate early, infighting, backstabbing and sabotaging could be minimised during the election.

Despite his earlier desire to step down, Dawos – currently Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water – has said he may consider defending his seat if he is requested to do so by the top BN leadership.

“Yes, I have expressed my intention not to seek re-election due to health reason, but the Prime Minister is the one who makes the final decision.

“If he still wants me, I may reconsider my earlier decision to step down. The Prime Minister has (unofficially) told others not to touch me although I am blind,” he was quoted as saying.

Dawos started his political career as an MP when he contested as a direct BN candidate in the then Mambong parliamentary seat in the 1999 general election.