PAS will fail to win seats in the state election, says PBB

PBB does not see PAS making any inroads in the coming state election

(Bernama) – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is confident that opposition party PAS will fail in its attempt to make inroads into Sarawak politics in the coming state election.

PBB vice-president Daud Abdul Rahman is confident the party still enjoyed the strong support of Muslim-majority seats in Sarawak despite claims by the opposition party it had a strong chance of capturing state seats due to the alleged growing resentment of Muslim voters against PBB.

“Based on the large presence of Muslims at goverment functions, as well as the feedback received, we are confident the party will remain relevant to this group,” he said.

Daud was speaking to reporters after attending the presentation of RM336,160 business tithes from Bernas to the Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) here today.

Bernas board of directors member Azizan Ayob presented the mock cheque to Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud at the former’s office here.

Daud, who is also assistant minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Islamic Affairs) said voters in Sarawak were mature in their decision, in the event of an election.

It was reported that PAS was eyeing Malay-majority seats in coastal areas in the state, and mulling over whether to contest six state seats.

Of the six, the opposition party claimed it could win in the fishing villages of Sadong Jaya, Beting Maro and Sebuyau in the state election which is expected to be held in the second quarter of the year.

PBB has won all 35 seats, including 27 Malay-majority seats in the May 2006 state election, Sarawak United People’s Party won 11, while Parti Rakyat Sarawak and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party have eight seats each.

Sarawak Barisan Nasional has won 62 of the 71 contested seats in the 2006 election.