Dr Juanda Jaya - A New MP Candidate for PKR or PBB?

Raslan Hamidi

- Rumors have been Widespread all over the country that the well known Perlis muftì from Melanau origin will be shortlisted as a Candidate in upcoming General Election soon. However, the flag that he will bear is still a mystery. Will it be a tug-o-war between PKR and PBB?
 

 Pakatan Lethal Weapon

- The former Perlis Mufti, Dr Asri Zainal Abidin, who is well known as well as Juanda’s sidekick and predecessor from the same Kolej Islam Klang alumni, also been speculated to join Pakatan forces at eleventh hour as lethal weapon which can influence Malay youngster who categorized as a fence sitter. The crowd pulling Ustaz Azhar Idrus might be not interested to become a candidate but will give his 100% commitment to support the duo which is a blow to BN.

-  Asri will be a factor for another northern state to fall on Pakatan grasp as well as two more Pantai Timur states.

- If these speculations are true, it will be the first time in history in Malaysia where a sitting Mufti and an ex-Mufti join forces against the ill government.

Impact on Sarawak

- It can be said a total loss for PBB and Sarawak as a whole if Juanda who seemed get along with PBB leaders all this while managed to be snatched by Anwar Ibrahim and his Pakatan fellow.

- Among notable Sarawakian, Juanda already proven himself as one of the newsmaker whether in main stream media or alternative media and being a centre of references – a role which Asri used to have before beyond the Perlis border.

- If 50-50 seats between PR and BN meet a deadlock, the role of king maker will probably on Sarawak burden. It is a very crucial role for Sarawak MP or Sarawakian MP who contested at non Sarawak seats because they are the bridging factor who can give a key decision on BN lifeline or PR victorious winning

-  If it is confirmed, then open secret of rivalry between Taib vs Najib will getting worse when a Sarawakian name Juanda become a factor of further cracked on BN stronghold areas. Taib might stay on his list for a reason only he know and untrusted ‘new faces dilemma’ will be there once again.

- However, abstaining the new faces created a bad image for Najib/s transformation and a signal that Taib will stay forever. Anwar and Pakatan might be the one who gain something here but the total winner is Sarawak and its people where they can  demand the best for them from the both sides. The ball now is in Taib pocket.

Melanau Seat & Winnable Candidate

- Due to current scenario of uncertainty, winnable candidate is a must. Seems like in Melanau area, where Melanau MP/ADUN for Melanau is a tradition, it can be said as hard to find such candidate. Juanda might have a criteria as a winnable one however it’s depend on PBB list on Najib Tun Razak hand which might already have his name enlisted.

- As a Muslim cleric, he is also winnable in his workplace area (Perlis/Kedah) but he is also an asset for his hometown. There might be a local sentiment in his Mukah/Maro/Igan area where a potential local not being utilized by Taib.

- It will be another prove of Taib’s bad behavior:  taking for granted on those who are having potential around him in order for him to maintain his 50^th years reign in Cabinet on his 77^th birthday.