Sarawak polls: Five-cornered contest in Bukit Sari?

With nominations taking place tomorrow, Bukit Sari, which is a stronghold of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) through Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), is expected to see at least a five-cornered contest.

To date, only GPS and Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) have officially confirmed their respective candidates, with the incumbent, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (GPS), who won unopposed in Bukit Sari in the 11th state election is set to contest again while PBK will be represented by army retiree Riyah Basrah.

However, according to sources, the two candidates are expected to face competition from several others including from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and independent candidates.

"It is understood that PSB will nominate a candidate and opposition parties from the Peninsula may field candidates at the last minute tomorrow, as well as independent candidates too," the source told Bernama.

In the 2016 state election, Awang Tengah won unopposed, while in 2011, the PBB deputy president won with a majority of 5,063 votes, defeating PKR candidate Japar Suyut.

Prior to this, based on the list of Pakatan Harapan candidates for the 12th state election, PKR and DAP did not name any candidates in Bukit Sari.

Meanwhile, other parties that intend to contest in the state election this time, namely PSB and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah), have not officially announced their candidates.

Early voting for the state election will be held on Dec 14 while polling is on Dec 18.