KUCHING: Sarawak is expected to hold its next state election in 2026 with the exact timing to be decided by the state’s Premier.
Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said that the elections must be held as the last state polls were conducted five years ago.
“By constitution, it has to be this year… well, 2026. Definitely. Which one? That will have to be the prerogative of the Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said, declining to provide any indication of whether the polls would be held early or later in the year.
He said this while speaking during an interview session at the BFM’s The Breakfast Grille today.
Asked whether Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) could once again secure a landslide victory, Nanta, the Kapit Member of Parliament and Secretary-General of both Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and GPS, dismissed the idea of a walkover, noting that Sarawak’s political landscape has evolved.
“I don’t think there will be a walkover with 100 per cent. The current number of state seats is set to increase from 82 to 99, and it was already approved in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) last year.
“But that will still have to be endorsed with a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat. Now, if that is done, then we will have 99 seats. I think we will still win with a big majority,” he said.
During the interview, Nanta also addressed perceptions that Sarawak has been increasingly asserting its autonomy, citing developments such as the establishment of a state sovereign fund, ownership of an airline, and stakes in financial institutions.
However, he clarified that Sarawak has not taken over healthcare or education, both of which remain under federal jurisdiction.
“We have not taken over health and education. We have expressed our views on what we want to control, to have a say in health.
“But we are not thinking of taking lock, stock and barrel for everything. The direction, at least. I mean, we know that those should be under the federal government.
“But we want to have a better say in things such as staff recruitment and the number of doctors. Then, same thing in terms of the Ministry of Education. But the other aspects will have to be left to the federal government,” said Nanta.
