KUCHING: As Sarawak prepares for its next state election, one question continues to shape political discussions: will voters cast their ballots based on party logos or the personalities representing them?
Political analyst, Datuk Prof. Dr Lee Kuok Tiung, believes the answer will not be straightforward, as voting behaviour is increasingly influenced by geography, demographics and the urban-rural divide, even as the ‘Sarawak First’ sentiment grows stronger.
Lee, an associate professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, expects the coming state election to be dominated by local issues and support for Sarawak-based political parties.
“The next election will very much be driven by the ‘local party’ and ‘Sarawak First’ sentiments,” he said, noting that Sarawakians have become more conscious of having leaders and parties that are perceived to understand local aspirations and safeguard the state’s constitutional rights.
The ‘Sarawak First’ narrative centres on giving priority to Sarawak’s interests, including greater autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), better revenue from the state’s natural resources, accelerated infrastructure development, and policies tailored to Sarawak’s unique social and geographical landscape.
It also reflects a growing preference for decision-making that is less dependent on federal politics in Kuala Lumpur.
However, Lee said the influence of party branding does not necessarily diminish the importance of individual candidates.
“There are certain personalities whose personal appeal goes beyond party labels,” he observed.
Among them, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg remains a key electoral asset for the ruling coalition, with his leadership widely associated with Sarawak’s infrastructure expansion, economic transformation, renewable energy initiatives, and digital development agenda.
Likewise, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has cultivated a strong grassroots reputation through his consistent presence in rural communities.
Lee noted that Tiong’s frequent attendance at longhouse functions has strengthened his connection with rural voters, particularly among Dayak communities.
Such regular engagements allow voters to interact personally with leaders, creating familiarity and trust that often translate into political support.
In rural Sarawak, accessibility and visibility still matter significantly that voters often judge elected representatives by how often they visit their constituencies and respond to local concerns.
The situation becomes more nuanced in marginal constituencies, where both the candidate and coalition carry considerable weight.
Whether personality or party ultimately prevails depends largely on local circumstances.
“In marginal seats, the balance between candidate quality and coalition strength is much closer,” he explained.
Lee added that urban constituencies have traditionally displayed stronger support for the opposition, particularly the Democratic Action Party (DAP), where ideological preferences and party branding often play a more decisive role than individual personalities.
In contrast, rural constituencies continue to place greater emphasis on personal relationships, constituency service, and a candidate’s visibility on the ground.
For Lee, the next Sarawak election is unlikely to be decided solely by party symbols or charismatic individuals.
Instead, it will be a contest where the growing ‘Sarawak First’ identity intersects with the enduring importance of trusted local personalities, producing different electoral dynamics across the state’s diverse political landscape.
