Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) today revealed its 25 candidates for the ninth Sarawak elections on May 20. The party said the candidates reflected its aspiration to create a 'new' Sarawak.

Those in the line-up - described by insiders as a 'good blend of the young and experienced' - include ex-bank officer Ibrahim Bayau who will take on the state's top man.

Ibrahim has the daunting task of going up against long-time state Barisan Nasional chairperson and chief minister Abdul Taib Mahmud ( left ) for the Balingian seat.

PKR Sarawak chief Wan Zainal Wan Sanusi said Ibrahim who in his 40s had been specifically chosen to challenge the senior politician who has helmed the state for the past 25 years.

"He is about the same age as Taib when he had first started his chief ministership. We picked a younger candidate to send a message that it is time for Taib to go," he said when contacted.

Taib is also the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) which forms the BN coalition together with the Sarawak United People's Party (Supp), Sarawak People's Party (PRS) and Sarawak People's Democratic Party (SPDP).

Confident of doing well

Speaking on the line-up which was announced by party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in Kuching this afternoon, Wan Zainal said the candidates were chosen because of their commitment in serving the people and the party.

"Our candidates include those from the professional sectors: medical doctors, lawyers and accountants. We also have retired senior civil servants and those from non-governmental organisations.

"I think it is a well-balanced team," he said.

He believed that the team will give BN a run for its money as Sarawakians have shown great interest in the party's joint manifesto with other members in the Barisan Bersatu Sarawak opposition coalition - the Sarawak National Action Party (Snap) and the yet-to-be registered Malaysian Dayak Congress (MDC).

"You'd be surprised how receptive the people here are of the manifesto. They look forward for the changes to be made. The BN government has failed to make the changes," he said.

He claimed that the BN manifesto, which promised development, had failed to make an impact based on past experience.

"They promised development in the past but until today, little is done. We have development projects in the Sixth Malaysian Plan that have not been fulfilled!

"One of the projects is Universiti Sarawak which until now is not completed. What does that tell you about the BN government?" he asked.

Chinese seats

Wan Zainal will be contesting in Samariang against BN newcomer and lawyer Sharifah Hasida Wan Razali. She is the daughter of PBB Wanita chief Sharifah Mordiah.

Former police officer Abang Ibrahim Abang Othman will take on Taib's brother Ali Mahmud in Muara Tuang while retired senior government officer Sobey Daud will challenge PBB vice-president Adenan Satem.

Meanwhile, dentist Dr Noh Sa'bi is expected to give former Sarawak state assembly speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassa a tough fight in Semop.

Although most of the 25 seats contested by PKR are Malay-majority, the party is also set to capture four Chinese majority seats in Padungan (Dominique Ng Kim Ho), Batu Kawah (businessman Wong Huan Yu), Piasan (former Sarawak medical director Dr Francis Ngu) and Senadin (businessman Tony Chai Chook Fui).

Its best bet would be Padungan as Ng, a lawyer by profession, is well known. He will take on SUPP's Wong Hie Ching who is one of BN's six women candidates.

The other seats to be contested by PKR include:

Pantai Damai - Idris Johari

Demak Laut - Saidam @ Massudin Sahini

Tupong - Ramlee Mahtar

Satok - Mohamad Jolhi

Asajaua - Mosidi Sait

Sadong Jaya - Piee Bin Ling

Simunjan - Sakawai Nahari

Subuyau- Mohamad Akek

Lingga - Abang Othman Abang Gom

Saribas - Abang Zulkifli Aband Engkeh

Kalaka - Jini Sahini

Belawai - Abang Sarbini Abang Ojek

Bekenu - Mohdak Ismail

Lambir - Saji Samat

Bukit Sari - Mohamad Ibrahim

Meanwhile, DAP announced that it will contest in 12 seats while PAS is only fielding a single candidate for the Beting Maro seat.