KUCHING: Sarawak’s Malay and Melanau constituencies are expected to remain Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) strongholds in the coming state election, with voters prioritising stability, Sarawak identity and proven leadership.
Political analyst Dr Hafizan Mohamad Naim said the political mood among Malay and Melanau voters remains largely favourable to GPS, particularly Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which has long dominated these constituencies.
She said issues such as Sarawak autonomy, state rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), political stability and confidence in Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership continue to carry significant weight with voters.
“Looking towards the next state election, the overall advantage remains with GPS-PBB. Malay-Melanau voters are still likely to value Sarawak identity, political stability, state autonomy and confidence in the leadership of Abang Johari,” she said.
According to Hafizan, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Sarawak identity is likely to remain a decisive factor when voters choose between local-based parties and national opposition parties.
She said many voters continue to view GPS as a coalition that better understands and represents Sarawak’s unique interests, compared with parties associated with Peninsular Malaysia’s political landscape.
“Many voters may continue to prefer parties that are seen as better representing Sarawak, rather than parties associated with Peninsular-style racial or religious politics,” she said.
As a result, she believes national opposition parties continue to face significant challenges in expanding their influence within Malay and Melanau constituencies.
“They have yet to develop a sufficiently strong organisation or a political narrative capable of replacing PBB in these areas,” she added.
Hafizan also dismissed suggestions that Malay and Melanau seats are becoming increasingly competitive, describing them as enduring GPS strongholds.
She attributed this to the presence of experienced elected representatives who have built extensive grassroots networks while serving in key government positions.
Among them are Abang Johari (Gedong), Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi (Sebuyau), Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (Pantai Damai), Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali (Samariang), Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (Tupong), Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Asajaya), Datuk Ibrahim Baki (Satok) and Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam (Saribas).
In Melanau-majority areas, Hafizan highlighted Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (Dalat), Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (Nangka), Datuk Len Talif Salleh (Kuala Rajang), Datuk Abdullah Saidol (Semop), Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya (Jemoreng), Safiee Ahmad (Daro), Abdul Yakub Arbi (Balingian) and Royston Valentine (Tellian) as leaders with strong local standing.
She noted that several of them, including Annuar, Juanda, Len Talif and Abdullah Saidol, also hold positions in the state government, giving them greater visibility and influence beyond their constituencies.
Beyond party loyalty, Hafizan said voters are placing considerable importance on the personal credibility and accessibility of their elected representatives.
“These YBs are generally known for their accessibility, long-standing relationships with local leaders and their ability to channel development projects, welfare assistance, educational support and government services to their constituencies,” she said.
Ultimately, she argued, voters are not merely choosing political parties but individuals whom they believe possess the experience, influence and government access necessary to deliver tangible development.
“This combination of strong incumbents, established grassroots networks and visible government presence makes these constituencies difficult for national opposition parties to penetrate,” she said.
