The problems plaguing several Barisan Nasional (BN) parties in Sarawak will help boost the opposition's chances in the state during the next elections, said DAP Sarawak chairperson Wong Ho Leng.

He cited the Sarawak National Party (Snap) and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), both still languishing from the aftermath of a leadership tussle, as examples.

In an interview over the weekend, Wong said a crisis over seats is also brewing in the Chinese-based Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).

This, he added, would benefit the opposition, namely the Chinese-based DAP.

It is said that five SUPP leaders are vying for the Bandar Kuching parliamentary seat. Among them, is Senator Wee Kok Tiang - son of the late business tycoon Wee Boon Ping.

The seat was declared vacant after incumbent SUPP candidate Song Swee Guan was adjudged bankrupt recently. Song resigned as MP on June 19.

Stronger chance

Wong said DAP had a stronger chance in the state compared to its opposition counterparts because the party has been "active non-stop on the ground" since the last elections.

In the last parliamentary elections, opposition parties failed to win a single seat but Wong is optimistic about the upcoming polls, which he said could be held anytime between now and December next year.

"The durian is already ripe, it is a matter of time," he said.

However, the state DAP leader conceded that it would still be an uphill task for the opposition to make any inroads into the ruling coalition stronghold.

Sarawak has 28 parliamentary seats, all controlled by the four-member BN coalition headed by Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

'Cocoon of fear'

DAP is expected to contest in seven constituencies - Bandar Kuching, Stampin, Sibu Bandar, Lanang, Sarikei, Bintulu and Miri.

Wong said, of these seats, the party's chances are greater in Bandar Kuching and Bintulu "where the electorate are more susceptible to changes."

He said the party will be fielding tested veterans for most of the seats.

Describing the voters in Sarawak, the DAP leader said they are still trapped in a "cocoon of fear" and are worried about making changes to the present status quo.

Another opposition party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (Keadilan) has kept a low-profile about its moves in Sarawak but it is expected to contest a few seats.

Wong said DAP has not held seat negotiations with any party but added: "We hope they will not be disturbing".

DAP-Keadilan talks in the peninsula hit a brick wall recently when the former accused its counterpart of leaking details about the discussion to the media.

The talks were then suspended as leaders from both sides traded barbs. However, the parties have now agreed to resume negotiations.