Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will go on its own in the forthcoming 13th Sarawak Election (PRN13)

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will not entertain any proposal for an alliance with any peninsula-based party in the coming state election.

As the coalition’s spokesperson, I have mentioned to our media friends on Sarawak’s political landscape differs from the federal level, where cooperation between parties does not automatically translate into electoral partnerships in the state, the Dayak Daily reported.

GPS chairman, the right honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg had already stated our coalition would contest all 82 seats in Sarawak. GPS, therefore, would contest on its own. 

Even if PKR says it wants to collaborate, it is a bit too late for that. We will still treat them as the opposition with the same principle applied to parties like DAP, PAS, BERSATU and Amanah.

I have also questioned the prospect of Sarawak relying on West Malaysia-based parties because any major decisions affecting the state could ultimately require approval from the national leadership. That is not the kind of arrangement we want.

Why should we go through such layers when we have our own Sarawak parties that can make decisions here for the good and wellbeing of the people?

The Sarawak legislative assembly was officially dissolved on October 26, paving the way for the 13th state election to be held within the next 60 days.

According to local political analysts, there is no reason for GPS to collaborate with PKR or any other party, as the coalition is already highly dominant in Sarawak because entering into a state electoral collaboration with other parties at this juncture would only be detrimental to GPS, as it would compel the ruling bloc to accede to the demands of new partners.

For the record, GPS currently holds its strongest position, with 79 seats in the 12th State Legislative Assembly (DUN). This follows the defection of three assemblymen from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) to the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), alongside the subsequent dissolution of PSB. Consequently, the opposition is left with only two seats, both held by the DAP. 

GPS comprises of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak, the PDP, the Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP), and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS). Heading into the forthcoming PRN13, GPS is contesting all 82 seats. Last Tuesday, PKR urged that the door to political collaboration remain open—this came after GPS indicated it would not entertain any proposals for an alliance with any Peninsular-based party for the upcoming state election.

I have also clarified that inter-party cooperation at Federal level does not automatically translate into an electoral alliance within Sarawak. In the previous state election, PKR had lost in every constituency it contested. The absence of elected representatives had meant PKR candidates must work significantly harder to introduce the party to voters and convince them that the party is capable of providing consistent service.

Such trust is typically built in the periods between elections, as residents observe firsthand who steps in to help resolve their grievances. While DAP is capable of defending the Padungan and Pending seats against a challenge from GPS; conversely, PKR must rebuild its standing if it hopes to secure a foothold in the State Legislative Assembly.

PKR faces an even steeper challenge in rural areas because in such contituencies where settlements are widely dispersed, the machinery must consistently reach out to villages and longhouses. In truth, GPS is far too strong for the already weakened PKR in Sarawak to contend with. 

The party’s presence in Putrajaya does not offer any advantage to the party, as GPS is also part of the ruling bloc. GPS is likewise part of the federal government and can present its own track record in championing the state’s interests.

Cautioning the public against the spread of viral poison-pen messages via WhatsApp

I have cautioned members of the public to be cautioned against the spread of viral poison-pen messages claiming that caretaker Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assemblymen must step down if asked to vacate their seats ahead of the forthcoming 13th Sarawak state election (PRN13). Our media friends had seek my comments on the viral poison-pen messages that had be spread via WhatsApp messages on the purportedly list of senior GPS state assembly representatives who will be dropped in the PRM13 including myself on top of the list. 

As the GPS and PBB chief spokesperson, I have clarified that the coalition had not issued any official statements on the list of candidates that were asked to step down or on who would be contesting each constituency in the next state polls. The official announcement will be made by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak himself and that is how it will be done. 

Based on my own experience with GPS and its backbone party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), such lists are never circulated in such a manner. We have never done that. That is why I question the authenticity of these messages. As the name implies, it is a poison-pen letter. When something is a poison-pen letter, it does not state or reveal who sent it. Therefore, we should not assume what is being circulated is true. 

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, these poison-pen letters were left at local suraus or posted directly to houses — physical letters without signatures or sender names. Those responsible for disseminating the messages were taking advantage of modern technology to mislead their targets. Now, with technology being far more sophisticated, social media is being used to either smear someone’s reputation, boost another person’s profile, or falsely parade individuals as confirmed candidates.

Those who have circulated the messages might be pursuing their own political agendas. It is possible they put these messages out themselves to gauge public’s response. They might even generate supportive comments to make it appear that the candidate they selected is popular, hoping to catch the attention of top party leadership.

Possibility of defending my seat at N15 Asajaya constituency in the forthcoming 13th Sarawak Elections (PRN13)

I have not ruled out the possibility of defending my N15 Asajaya seat in the forthcoming 13th Sarawak Election (PRN13) and as the current Information Chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the party might still need my services in view of the responsibilities entrusted to me.

So far, there has been no feedbacks that are telling me that I will be renominated or otherwise, but I can feel that I may still be needed. If not, there would surely be indications, or I would no longer be brought along for certain matters and would not be given specific responsibilities.

I have represented the Asajaya constituency since 2001 and any decision on whether I should continue serving or make way for new faces must take into account the wishes of the people and the party leadership. I have enjoyed serving Sarawak and that carrying out my duties that had become "second nature" after more than 25 years in politics. 

However, we must also accept the fact that if we stay in office too long, those whom we want to bring forward will take longer to gain opportunities and experience.

On a separate matter, I have mentioned to our media friends that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would not yield any of its seats to other parties, including those in the federal unity government. We in GPS is ever ready to contest against any party, including Pakatan Harapan (PH), Perikatan Nasional (PN) or PAS, should they field candidates in those constituencies.

Speculations had mounted over the dissolution of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on October 26 with the decision to dissolve the DUN to pave the way for the 13th Sarawak election (PRN13) rests with our right honourable Premier of Sarawak. Previously, the state’s election was held in the month of December, with possible polling day is on 12th or 19th among the dates considered suitable.

Our Sarawak DUN currently has 82 seats, making it the largest state legislative assembly in the country. The number is expected to increase to 99 following the Election Commission's (EC) approval of 17 new constituencies, which had been approved by the Sarawak DUN. The last Sarawak election was held on Dec 18, 2021, when Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secured a landslide victory, winning 76 of the 82 seats contested.

Giving our Backbenchers members the role in check and balance mechanism for the government of the day

Backbenchers from Gabungan Parti Sarawak will keep the Sarawak state government in check if GPS manages a clean sweep at the next state election, They (backbenchers) would act as a pressure group and functions “like the opposition” in the event GPS wins all 82 seats at the polls. Thus, we have our own checks and balances mechanism, including the ombudsman unit and other mechanisms to ensure accountability.

With Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) presently holds 80 of the 82 seats in the assembly, with the remaining two seats, Padungan and Pending, held by DAP, our State Government maintains adequate checks and balances despite concerns about the lack of a strong opposition. Back in November 2023, Sarawak became the first state to have an ombudsman unit set up by law, after the Sarawak Ombudsman Bill was passed at the Sarawak State Assembly (DUN).

I have mentioned these to our media friends after there were suggestions on the possible elimination of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) from the Sarawak Legislative Assembly which would create an opportunity for other opposition parties to step up and represent Sarawakians.

The suggestions came from other poltical parties Sarawak which had called for a strong, credible and homegrown opposition that could hold our GPS government accountable without being controlled by political forces from West Malaysia.  

The other camp had advocated for local opposition and non-GPS political parties to become more effective as the control mechanism against the government of the day based on the allegations that they are not controlled by anyone from outside Sarawak. The absence of DAP from our State Assembly would not spell the end of the opposition in Sarawak, but could instead open the door for other opposition parties to emerge as alternative voices for the local folks.

Welcoming opening of new Hotel Everly Lhesson Kuching at Vivacity Mega Mall, Jalan Wan Alwi, Kuching

We congratulate owners of the newly opened Hotel Everly Lhesson which is located at the Vivacity Mega Mall shopping complex of Jalan Was Alwi, Kuching. The official opening ceremony was graced by our right honourable Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Abang Haji Openg this morning. In his speech, our Premier had mentioned that Kuching City is still in need of more hotel rooms to meet the increasing demand for accommodation facilities even though we currently have approximately 13,000 of them. 

The demand for hotel rooms in our city is also expected to continue rising as Sarawak prepares to co-host the 2027 SEA Games and several other international events scheduled to be held locally. Hence, the current shortage of hotel rooms in our city has forced some visitors to seek alternative accommodation, such as homestays, Airbnb etc.

According to our Premier, similar situation occurred during the 2024 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) held in Sarawak when the demand for accommodation of athletes, coaches, officials as well as family members from other state had dramatically surged. Our state government is also prioritizing the comfort of athletes and officials by deciding to accommodate them all in hotels during the 2027 SEA Games.

The increasing demand for hotel rooms is also due to the high number of requests to host business events and conferences in Kuching and the opening of new hotels, such as Hotel The Everly Lhesson in Kuching will help to expand accommodation options while supporting the growth of the city's tourism and events sectors.

Thus, our accommodation capacity must also continue to be strengthened, in line with the goal of establishing Kuching as a preferred destination for hosting more large-scale events particularly to meet the demand from tourists, conference delegates, and visitors attending various events in the city.