KUCHING: Wanita PKR chief Zuraida Kamaluddin believes Pakatan Rakyat (PR) can win at least 36 seats in the 11th state election and form the next state government.
She predicted that the state polls would be held in 2015, and said her optimism of PR coming into power in the state as being fuelled by broken Barisan Nasional (BN) promises after the general election.
Before the 13th general election (13GE) in May this year, she said the BN promised better well-being for the rakyat, but recently the government increased petrol and diesel prices, withdrew sugar subsidy and would implement the goods and services tax (GST).
“They broke their own promises and now people are not happy with the rising costs of living.
“Also, based on the results from 13GE and Sarawak election in 2011, we have confidence to win more seats.
“Some of our people have started working on the ground to identify places where we have higher chances of winning,” she told a press conference here yesterday after spending Christmas at a longhouse near here.
The current term of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly expires on June 20, 2016, but the chief minister has the prerogative to dissolve the Assembly earlier.
Sarawak is divided into 71 constituencies, and Zuraida said the party was expected to contest in 47 of them in the next state polls.
In the last state election, PKR contested in 47 constituencies, but only won Batu Lintang, Krian and Ba’Kelalan.
She expressed her hope that PKR would field more woman candidates in the 11th state election.
In fact, she added, the Wanita wing had identified six seats where they had higher chances of winning.
She described it as a “let down” that the party named only two women candidates in April 2011.
“This time around, we want to see more woman candidates. Although we have identified six, we are trying to get more, and we have to start early.”
The six seats PKR is eyeing for woman candidates are Telang Usan, Senadin, Lambir, Satok, Bengoh and Tasik Biru.
On her Christmas visit, Zuraida claimed Ibans at the longhouse she visited had begun to understand the politics in the country.
“More than 100 people were at the Christmas do organised by Sarawak PKR. However, it is very disappointing there isn’t a proper bridge for the people there. We had to leave our vehicles at one side and get on our feet to reach the longhouse.”
