KUCHING: The upcoming Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention on April 19 is expected to serve as a key platform to present the coalition’s achievements and readiness for the coming state election.
Political analyst, Datuk Professor Lee Kuok Tiung, described the convention as a “scorecard” for GPS where its leadership will highlight milestones achieved since taking power.
He said the gathering will provide an opportunity for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to outline Sarawak’s development progress and policy direction, reinforcing the coalition’s governance credentials ahead of the polls, which are constitutionally due this year.
This convention, he noted, is significant as it will be a landmark event – the first of its kind since the inaugural convention in 2019, shortly after GPS was formed.
According to Lee, an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the timing of the convention underscores its strategic importance, coming at a juncture when political parties are preparing for elections and consolidating their positions.
He noted that among the issues likely to be discussed is the proposed increase in the number of state seats from 82 to 99, a move that could reshape the electoral landscape and have implications for representation and constituency dynamics.
At its core, he said, the convention aims to project unity among GPS’ four component parties – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – demonstrating that the coalition remains a solid and cohesive bloc.
“The main objective is to show that GPS is stable and united, which is crucial in maintaining voter confidence,” he added.
Lee also pointed out that internal negotiations, particularly over seat allocations, are an inevitable aspect of coalition politics.
“As with any coalition, some level of internal friction cannot be avoided, especially when it comes to the distribution of seats,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
However, he stressed that the convention provides an avenue to minimise such tensions before the official campaign period begins, allowing GPS to present a united front.
With the state election looming, the convention, to be held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), is expected to set the tone for GPS’ campaign narrative, focusing on stability, development and unity as key pillars of its message to voters.
Last month, GPS Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said more than 4,600 delegates from PBB, SUPP, PRS had confirmed their participation in the one-day event.
“With the spirit of ‘Sarawak First’, we hope that this convention, which has not been organised for several years, will bring together thousands of members in a harmonious atmosphere and reflect our collective aspiration to see Sarawak continue to progress and prosper,” he said in a Facebook post after the third meeting of the GPS Convention Coordination Committee on March 26 at the PBB headquarters here.
