Two new faces will be among five candidates representing Sarawak Barisan Nasional Youth in the upcoming 11th state election, said Sarawak BN Youth chief Fadillah Yusof.

“Insya Allah (God willing), we are optimistic of victory based on the people’s feedback which is positive towards the BN and (chief minister) Adenan Satem,” he said.

The Sarawak state legislative assembly was dissolved today, paving the way for the state election. The Election Commission is meeting on Thursday to set the dates for nomination and polling.

Fadillah said the Sarawak BN Youth was ready for the polls and was holding roadshows in the respective divisions and constituencies.

He said he shared Adenan’s view that the BN would be able to win 60 to 70 seats in the election. A total of 82 seats are at stake, 11 more than in the state election in 2011, following a redelineation of electoral boundaries.

Fadillah, who is the Works Minister, was met by reporters after the signing of the project delivery partner agreement for the management and construction of the 706km Pan-Borneo Sabah Highway in Putrajaya today.

Replying to a question, he said issues such as 1MDB would not have much of an impact in the state election.

“I think what is more important is what the Chief Minister (Adenan) and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak have done for the Sarawak people.

“They are very happy, and all these issues like 1MDB will not have much impact on the voters and the election,” he said.

- Bernama