Batang Ai By-Election - SNAP's Intriguing Move

When Batang Ai by-election was declared by EC, most political watchers called it a straight fight between PRS and PKR. This view was based on the current political circumstances in the constituency.

Then, out of the blue, SNAP (Sarawak National Party) jumped out to make a fight for the party to represent the opposition front in this by-election.

Calling it a tough by-election, SNAP called on the opposition front to keep it a straight fight with BN to avoid a split of votes.

SNAP is now at best a mosquito party with little muscle to flex. Standing on the same line with PKR and DAP , SNAP has been very much sidelined. The frustration was so much that SNAP found it time for the party to burst out.

By laying the card on the table, SNAP was not without basis. Batang Ai was one time the party's stronghold. Even after dropping out from the mainstream, SNAP continues to command good grassroot support to back up its claim.

But it is dubious whether the party has a credible candidate to stand for SNAP in the by-election.

The intriguing move by SNAP has aroused curiosity. The local pundits interprete it as SNAP raising its ante in dealing with DSAI

Standing sidelined in the opposition front is certainly not in the interest of SNAP. Batang Ai by-election threw in a golden opportunity for the party to bargain with Anwar for a better term in the coming state election.

I believe there would be an amicable settlement in the spirit of PR!

The picture shows Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort.