KUCHING: Asajaya incumbent, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, expects to remain among Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidates for the upcoming 13th Sarawak Election, citing the continued responsibilities entrusted to him by the party.
He said the fact that he was still being given duties, including during the current caretaker government period, suggested that his services were still needed.
“Perhaps I will still be a candidate, because if not, there would certainly be indications that my services are no longer required. When we are still entrusted with responsibilities, including carrying out duties in the current caretaker government, it means that we are still needed,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after a press conference on the Sarawak Esports Expo 2026 (SAREX26) at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II today.
On the possibility of stepping away from politics, Abdul Karim said he would accept whatever decision was made regarding his candidacy after serving for 25 years.
He said he had yet to receive any indication from the party leadership on whether he would be retained or dropped as a candidate.
However, he would not turn down the opportunity to continue serving if the party and people entrusted him with the responsibility again.
Abdul Karim, who is also PBB’s information chief, said he enjoyed his work but acknowledged that political careers had their own cycles, stressing the importance of allowing new leaders time to develop their capabilities.
“If we hold on to positions for too long, it will take longer for the next generation to be groomed into capable elected representatives,” he said.
In the coming election, Abdul Karim reiterated that GPS would not give up any of its seats and remained committed to contesting all 82 State Legislative Assembly constituencies.
He said the coalition was prepared to face any parties seeking to challenge it in the election.
“GPS is ready to face any party that intends to challenge us, and they should be prepared to lose their deposits,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Election Commission (EC) would hold a meeting on November 6 to determine key dates for the 13th Sarawak Election, including polling day and early voting.
He also urged all eligible voters, including those aged 18 and above, to exercise their democratic right and participate in deciding the state’s next representatives and government.
