MUKAH: At the stroke of midnight, all political campaign activities by the parties involved in the Balingian by-election came to a standstill.
Today, 13,366 voters will choose their new representative through 21 polling centres.
The Balingian state seat fell vacant following the resignation of its assemblyman Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, then chief minister, who was subsequently appointed Head of State to succeed Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Abang Barieng.
The by-election sees a straight fight between Barisan Nasional (BN), represented by former Dalat district officer Yussibnosh Balo and PKR, which is represented by businessman Abdul Jalil Bujang.
The carnival-like atmosphere usually noted at political campaigns is almost absent, replaced by gloom as the country tries to come to terms with the disappearance and tragedy of Malaysia Airlines’ flight MH370 on March 8.
Balingian is known to be a BN stronghold but this has not stopped coalition leaders from campaigning aggressively to ensure not simply a win but a bigger majority this time.
The BN wants to show that it has gained more support among the constituents, in contrast to the reduced majority received by PKR in the Kajang by-election last week.
The by-election will also be a litmus test for new Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem, to prove that the power transition in Sarawak has not undermined the people’s support for the state government.
Meanwhile, PKR has chosen its Bintulu secretary Abdul Jalil, 55, who lost in his bid for the Jepak state seat in the state election in 2011, to challenge Yussibnosh, 48, a local resident of Mukah.
Balingian has 13,366 registered voters with Melanau/Malay making up 7,705 or 57.65 per cent, Iban, 3,875 (28.99 per cent), Chinese, 1,683 (12.59 per cent), Orang Ulu, 29 (0.22 per cent), Bidayuh, 19 (0.14 per cent) and other races, 55 (0.41 per cent). — Bernama