Political observer gives GPS’s achievements the thumbs-up

KUCHING: A seasoned political observer has lauded Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) record but cautioned against complacency as the state election approaches.
 
Political veteran Wilfred Nissom said the GPS government, led by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, has delivered substantially under its Post-COVID Development Strategy, bolstered by new state revenue sources and clear policy direction.
 
He said the administration’s performance achievements are “obvious”, pointing to infrastructure expansion, economic diversification and fiscal initiatives that have strengthened Sarawak’s autonomy and development trajectory in recent years.
 
“GPS has demonstrated it can govern effectively and chart its own course, especially through its Post-COVID Development Strategy,” he said when asked to assess the coalition’s current standing following the recent GPS Convention on Sunday.
 
However, Nissom echoed caution raised during the convention, particularly remarks by Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai that the ruling coalition is not invulnerable.
 
He noted that while GPS remains dominant overall, disparities exist among its four component parties in terms of cohesion, grassroots machinery and resource strength.
 
“Not all component parties are equally cohesive or equally strong in resources. That unevenness can become a vulnerability if not addressed strategically,” he said.
 
Nissom, a former assemblyman and PRS secretary-general, warned that local opposition groups, including those potentially backed by parties from outside Sarawak, could capitalise on these weaker links.
 
Such challengers, he said, may not need sweeping victories to make an impact, but could instead target marginal constituencies to chip away at GPS’s dominance.
 
“They may only need to secure a seat or two from weaker components. That is enough to alter the political equation,” he added.
 
According to Nissom, even minor electoral setbacks could carry wider implications beyond the state legislative assembly.
 
He stressed that any erosion of GPS’s mandate would weaken Sarawak’s bargaining position in its ongoing negotiations with the federal government on key issues, including fiscal rights and autonomy.
 
“A strong mandate is crucial for Sarawak to negotiate effectively with the federal government. Losing even a few seats could dilute that leverage,” he said.
 
Despite the risks, Nissom maintained that GPS remains in a strong position heading into the election, provided it addresses internal disparities and reinforces unity across its component parties.
 
“If GPS can enforce an election strategy where each component party is committed to ensure each other win all state seats they are allocated to defend then we can expect a clean sweep by GPS in the coming state election,” he said.
 
Nissom, a political veteran who attended the just-concluded GPS Convention at BCKK here, have witnessed Sarawak’s political evolution over decades.