Kerusi Dayak dijangka jadi tumpuan dalam PRN Sarawak

SARAWAK'S Dayak candidates are expected to be a major focus in the upcoming PRN Sarawak 13, with speculation suggesting that Deputy Premier and Deputy President of the Barisan Nasional (PBB) Douglas Uggah Embas may step down, potentially causing discontent among the largest indigenous voting bloc in the state. Jayum Jawan, from the Malaysian Science Academy, noted that the majority Iban seat could spark intense competition, given that they constitute the majority of voters in 35 out of 82 DUN Sarawak seats.

He also speculated that the Dayak branch of the Pakatan Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) party, Pesaka, might undergo significant changes following the PRN election, possibly leading to Timbalan Premier Douglas Uggah Embas relinquishing his position. Bintulu, another strong Iban stronghold and the hometown of prominent Pesaka leader Stephen Rundi Utom, could also be in contention.

Jayum pointed out that discontent among the Dayak community over the Barisan National Agreement (GPS) intensified due to its dominance by the PBB branch, comprising Malay-Melanau members. Although the Iban leader Temenggung Jugah Barieng, who founded the party, is the current PBB president, the PBB presidency has been held by the PBB branch since 1978.

Chin pointed out the evolving sentiment among the Dayak community, who feel marginalized since the 1970s and deserve a rightful place in the political system. The key seats to watch include the Baram parliamentary constituency and the major Bidayuh region. In the 2021 PRN, GPS won 76 seats, while the Sarawak United Party, which later merged with GPS, secured four seats. DAP won the remaining two seats.