KUCHING: The ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is widely expected to cruise through the coming state election on the back of a fragmented and relatively weak opposition.
Political analyst on Sarawak-Kuala Lumpur politics Datuk Peter Minos said the current political landscape in Sarawak strongly favours GPS, with no major wave of dissatisfaction visible on the ground and no single opposition coalition capable of mounting a serious statewide challenge.
“From what we can observe, GPS is poised for a smooth ride in the coming election. The opposition is simply not strong enough to pose a significant threat across Sarawak,” he said when contacted.
He pointed out that apart from Democratic Action Party (DAP), other Malayan-based parties have struggled to gain a firm foothold in the state.
“DAP has its traditional urban support base and may contest in several seats, particularly in Chinese-majority constituencies. But beyond that, the influence of Malayan-based parties remains limited,” he said.
Minos noted that even Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), which once attempted to expand aggressively into Sarawak, appears to have lost momentum.
“PKR is not popular in Sarawak. Also they are not popular in Sabah when they lost all in the Sabah recent election. The party does not seem to have strong grassroots machinery here. Its presence is not as visible or impactful as it used to be.
“PKR Sarawak has no strong leadership. Nobody seems keen on it. It’s now as worse as PKR in the peninsular — facing many problems, like the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief Tan Sri Azam Baki issue and problems with its big partner DAP,” he said.
The Parti Bersatu Bumiputera (PBB) veteran said although Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will surely put up candidates in the next Sarawak election, as in the past, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, PKR will lose because GPS’ machinery is far superior.
He said Sarawak voters have consistently shown a preference for local-based parties that they believe better understand state rights and development needs.
“GPS has positioned itself as a stable and united coalition focused on safeguarding Sarawak’s autonomy and ensuring continuous development. That message resonates well with the people,” Minos said.
He added that the opposition’s failure to present a united front further weakens their prospects.
“There is no clear alternative government-in-waiting. Without unity and a compelling common agenda, it is difficult for opposition parties to convince voters to take a risk,” he said.
Minos also observed that GPS’ track record in delivering infrastructure, rural development and welfare initiatives has strengthened its standing, particularly in the interior constituencies where electoral margins are often decisive.
Unless something extraordinary happens between now and polling day, GPS should not face major obstacles. The road ahead appears relatively smooth.
The next Sarawak state election is widely anticipated to be called within the constitutional timeframe, setting the stage for what many observers believe will be another comfortable outing for GPS.
The current 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is mandated to conclude on or before 10 April 2027, following the 2021 election. The next state election must be held by that date, with 82 or 99 seats contested.
