KUCHING: Will the DAP still be considered an underdog in the 13th general election after the record sweep of 12 of the 15 state seats it contested on April 16?
As far as Bandar Kuching MP Chong Chieng Jen’s assistant Dr Tang Sie Hing is concerned, his party would still be the underdog because the “BN is strong and smart.”
He said he was cautious about the findings from several analyses which indicated that the DAP would wrest more parliamentary seats, especially from the SUPP, in the general election.
Based on the results of the recently-concluded 10th state election, political observers have predicted that the opposition could win big, particularly in urban areas.
Dr Tang said he felt it would not be wise to judge based on the election results in April as “parliamentary election is not the same (as the state election).”
“Political scientists can analyse the election results but as far as DAP or Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is concerned, more factors have to be taken into consideration.
“There is no sure win and we cannot rely on past merits. BN is strong and smart, and they can come up with new strategies. We are still the underdogs,” he said when met here recently.
On candidacy, the cardiologist, who joined the DAP in May this year, did not give a direct answer when asked whether he would be picked to contest in Stampin which is held by Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng of SUPP. Yong had said on numerous occasions that he wouldn’t be seeking re-election again.
Dr Tang said the question of candidacy was not the sole discretion of the DAP. “PR has to decide which coalition partner has the best winning chances. We all have to work harder to come up with the best candidate.”
He disclosed that the party would bring some “breaking news” to supporters today. Without giving details, he said DAP wanted the rakyat to know that the party was serious in wanting to make inroads into the rural areas throughout the state.
In the April 16 state polls, DAP retained Pending, Kota Sentosa, Meradong, Bukit Assek, Kidurong and wrested Padungan, Batu Kawah, Repok, Dudong, Pelawan, Piasau and Pujut from the SUPP.
It currently has two parliamentary seats, namely Bandar Kuching and Sibu.
Right after the election in April, Chong, who is also state DAP secretary and Kota Sentosa assemblyman, told a news conference that the party’s southern region would propose to contest in Mambong, Mas Gading, Serian, Sri Aman and probably Petra Jaya in the general election.
Chong did not clearly state whether DAP would take both Bandar Kuching and Stampin.
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