Ooha! Sarawak votes

What a difference two years can make.

The change of mood is evident as Sarawakians prepare to cast their ballots tomorrow in the state's biggest election.

Much of the relaxed and feel good atmosphere is due to Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem with his popular initiatives for the people and state.

His Chinese-friendly policies have cut the ground from under the opposition, disabling them from whipping up the same anti-BN fervour as the last time.

All set for a five-year term in the legislative house, expanded from 71 to 82 seats, BN made a final push with Adenan appealing to the people to vote Barisan Nasional for "a better Sarawak" in advertisements in the different language local dailies today.

"The vote you cast tomorrow will determine how best we can protect the unity that we now enjoy, and to continue strengthening our unity for generations to come," said Adenan.

"It is your vote that will help Sarawak achieve greater autonomy to realise our shared aspirations of becoming a truly progessive partner in the Federation of Malaysia, as our country's founding fathers envisioned in 1963."

BN is in no dire straits, and analysts are predicting it would win 65 to 70 seats surpassing the two-thirds mark of 55 constituencies.

Adenan expects to win 70 including some Chinese seats lost by small majorities in 2011. He has repeatedly stated his wish for Chinese representation in his government.

There are 80 seats remaining in contention after BN captured Bukit Sari and Bukit Kota unopposed on nomination day.

BN is expected to dominate in over 60 Bumiputera areas with heavyweight PBB taking the lead in contesting 40 seats, PRS 11, SPDP five, and direct candidates, nine.

The crucial test is still whether its SUPP component and four direct candidates, all formerly from UPP, a splinter of SUPP, can turn the tables on DAP in the battle for hearts and minds of the Chinese in Kuching, Miri and Sibu.

"May 7 will be a defining moment for the Chinese community and its future in the state government. The verdict of Chinese voters will determine the survival of SUPP and UPP which have been fighting each other," said political analyst Dr Jeniri Amir.

In 2011, BN won 55 of 71 seats, DAP 12, PKR three, and independent one.

This time round, Pakatan was in trouble from the start with the DAP-PKR seat squabble spilling into a cold war during campaigning.

Despite the presence of four other political parties -- Pakatan's third partner Amanah, PAS, Star and PBDSB -- and 36 independents, the contest is largely between BN and DAP, and with PKR.

And in the six seats where DAP and PKR are clashing, BN will likely have the edge. These include the new Chinese majority Batu Kitang constituency.

Observers expect DAP, which wants at least 18 of 31 seats it is contesting, to end up with less than 10 urban seats and lose in all 16 interior, mostly Dayak, constituencies.

PKR, very muted in its campaign for 40 seats, is forecast to repeat its three seat win at best. Keenly watched is the battle for Ba-Kelalan where state PKR chief Baru Bian is defending the Lun Bawang-dominated constituency against his nephew and BN candidate Willie Liau again.

"Some independents may look to have some fighting chance but for now, it is unlikely any one of them can win," said one commentator.

"So, outside of BN and DAP and to a lesser extent PKR, the rest are inconsequential."