SHAH ALAM – The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is expected to retain its victory in the Jepak by-election, analysts predict.
Universiti Putra Malaysia political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Anak Jawan predicted that GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will likely win by a 65 to 70 per cent margin.
In addition to PBB, GPS also comprises the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), the Sarawak People's Party (PRS), and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
"The party will likely have a strong win as there are no significant issues.
"Furthermore, prominent Sarawak politician Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg from the GPS coalition has performed well since becoming the chief minister.
"So I believe that the majority of Malay and Melanau voters in Jepak will support Iskandar,” he told Sinar Daily.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM) Institute of Ethnic Studies deputy director, Professor Dr Kartini Aboo Talib@Khalid, also agreed with Jayum, adding that GPS is likely to retain the victory in Jepak, even though it's a three-way contest.
In the by-election today, GPS’ Iskandar will compete against Stevenson Joseph Sumbang of Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and Chieng Lea Phing of Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi).
"If GPS secures a win, current state affairs will continue as usual,” Kartini said.
She also said that even in the event of a defeat, it may not cause significant disruption within the state assembly, considering that GPS holds a majority with 23 out of the 31 available seats.
A total of 22,731 registered voters will choose a new representative in the election, where 14 polling centres with 45 channels will open at 7.30am in the morning, with 11 of them closing at 5.30pm in the evening and the remaining three at 4.00pm.
The by-election is being held following the death of the GPS incumbent, Datuk Talib Zulpilip, on Sept 15.
Previously, the Election Commission (SPR) issued a total of 73 postal ballots to eligible registered voters, including 43 members and police officers, for the said by-election.
The Jepak by-election campaign period lasted for two weeks, starting on October 21.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Salleh, anticipates a voter turnout of approximately 65 per cent in this by-election.