Tiong's reputation gives him an edge but SUPP factor may be decider

SARAWAK POLLS | Voters in Dudong are no stranger to having their dug-out drains flooding during the December monsoon month. This year, they have to deal with a torrent of candidates and promises as well.

There are eight candidates for Dudong, the most crowded race in this state election.

However, there are two factors that make Dudong one of the most closely watched races. Firstly, veteran politician and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Tiong King Sing is being fielded here. Secondly, Dudong is usually reserved for PDP's ally Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).

Tiong, who is both the Bintulu MP and Special Envoy to China, immediately played the hometown boy card to deal with claims that he had parachuted "200km" from his power base.

He explained in his maiden campaign presser that he was in fact born in Sibu and he had relations here. He even distributed photographs of his family home to prove it...