KUCHING: Sarawak DAP’s ambition to win eight to 10 seats in the coming state election may prove difficult amid growing support for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Responding to Sarawak DAP’s target and its call for voters to strengthen the party’s representation in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), political observer Datuk Peter Minos described the goal as ambitious given the current political climate in the state.
Based on current circumstances, he said DAP retaining its existing two seats would already be a respectable achievement.
“If DAP can hold on to its two current DUN seats, that would be very good for them. Winning eight to 10 seats would be rather ambitious. It is not easy to dislodge any GPS seat,” he added.
Minos observed that GPS has become increasingly popular among Sarawakians due to its development agenda and efforts to safeguard the state’s interests.
“DAP Sarawak is very ambitious. With GPS getting more and more popular for doing so many things for Sarawak, it is getting more difficult to challenge GPS,” he said.
Minos also pointed to lingering dissatisfaction among Sarawakians over several federal issues, including the ongoing legal dispute involving PETRONAS, the perceived incomplete implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and what he described as continued unequal treatment of Sarawak.
He argued that such sentiments could make it harder for Peninsular Malaysia-based parties to gain wider acceptance in the state.
“With that in mind, any Peninsular-based party is not very welcomed in Sarawak,” he said.
On DAP’s pledge to provide stronger checks and balances in the legislature, Minos questioned whether the party had effectively fulfilled that role.
He said a responsible opposition should focus on offering constructive alternatives, better policies and practical proposals for Sarawak rather than merely criticising the government.
According to him, excessive attacks on political opponents could eventually alienate voters.
“Shouting and endlessly attacking people and opponents make voters ‘bosan’ and ‘leju’ (tired and bored),” he said.
Minos added that voters generally prefer leaders who act sincerely, honestly and decently while prioritising the welfare of the people.
