ASPIRING candidates for the next Sarawak state election are beginning to emerge – albeit cautiously. Many appear to be testing the waters, not by seeking broad public attention just yet, but by quietly gauging support within their immediate circles.
This trend is more noticeable among would-be candidates from opposition parties such as Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK), and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
In contrast, the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) – comprising Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – remains quiet, with not even a tell-tale sign of movement within its ranks, at least for now.
That said, the race is expected to heat up as the next state election draws closer. The current term of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly is set to expire automatically in April 2027, which leaves just about a year and nine months on the clock.
In political terms, that’s not a long time – especially for last-minute hopefuls trying to make their mark.
The intensity is likely to rise even further if the proposed redelineation exercise is completed and gazetted in time. If that happens, 17 new state constituencies will be created, increasing the number of seats from the current 82 to 99 – a significant shift that could reshape the political landscape.
It’s certainly an interesting development to watch – with all sorts of characters starting to surface, some seemingly transforming into politicians overnight. Honestly, a few of them don’t appear to be cut out for politics, let alone stand a real chance of winning.
It does make you wonder where their confidence comes from. Then there are the familiar faces – the so-called recycled candidates who’ve contested in multiple elections, often with little to show for it.
But then again, who are we to judge? If this were any other profession, people like them would probably be admired for their grit – their never-say-die, never-give-up attitude.
Also, there’s nothing wrong with trying again – who knows, this time they might manage to turn things around. That said, their persistence does raise a fair question: is it worth it?
After all, politics is unlike any other profession. It stands in a league of its own – demanding, unpredictable, and deeply public. To be a politician, especially an elected representative, comes with immense responsibilities.
It’s not just about securing votes; it’s about earning trust, understanding the people’s needs, and being consistently present to represent their voices in a meaningful way.
I won’t deny that some do get elected by default – sometimes riding on party strength or favourable voter sentiment. But once they fail to deliver after they are elected to office, then holding onto that position will become a lot harder. Voters might forgive a slip once, but rarely twice.
That said, I also can’t deny that there are cases where elected representatives continue to retain their seats despite not meeting expectations. This can be attributed to several factors – strong party loyalty, the absence of credible challengers, or even voter complacency.
In some instances, the sheer strength of the party’s influence and electoral machinery is enough to carry underperforming candidates through the polls, regardless of their track record.
While that strategy might work in the short term, it does little to build lasting public trust – and even less to improve the quality of governance over time.
Looking at recent election trends, it’s also clear that more voters are casting their ballots based on the individual strength and credibility of candidates, rather than voting strictly along party lines.
This shift signals a more discerning electorate – one that values personal integrity, active community engagement, and a solid track record over blind party loyalty.
For political parties, this trend presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It challenges them to move beyond traditional branding and focus more on fielding candidates with proven track records and strong grassroots appeal.
At the same time, it opens the door for lesser-known or independent-minded individuals to make their mark – provided they can genuinely connect with the people and offer something meaningful.
In a way, this evolution signals a maturing democratic process, where voters are no longer swayed solely by party banners, but by the substance and sincerity of those who wish to represent them.
At the end of the day, what matters most is the voters’ decision on which candidate they believe can truly represent their interests and bring meaningful change to their community.
However, if I may offer a word of advice to voters, it’s important to view the bigger picture. Although the individual candidate is important, equal attention should be paid to the party they are affiliated with.
Ideally, voters should weigh their choices as part of a ‘package deal’ – one that takes into account not just the candidate’s personal qualities, but also the party’s track record, policies, and ability to deliver.
After all, what can an elected representative realistically offer if the party they represent isn’t part of the ruling government and lacks the support of the majority?
Without access to resources, influence, or policy-making power, their ability to bring meaningful development or changes to their constituency could be significantly limited.
I’m not here to dictate how voters should choose their candidates or which party they should support – far from it. But in this context, it’s important that voters don’t make rash decisions driven purely by emotions or fleeting sentiments.
Instead, they should take the time to assess each candidate’s track record, credibility, and genuine commitment to public service, and more importantly, the party they represent.
Elections aren’t meant to be popularity contests – they are critical opportunities for the people to choose leaders who are capable, sincere, and accountable.
Voters should also be able to discern between rhetoric and real substance – between those who merely talk the talk and those who have walked the walk.
At this point, there’s little doubt that GPS candidates remain the strongest contenders – thanks to their proven track record, ample resources, and deep-rooted grassroots support across the state.
If voters believe their current representative is not meeting expectations, they should voice their concerns through appropriate channels.
They should advocate for a new candidate from within their party before considering turning to opposition or independent candidates.
It’s equally important for voters to voice their preferences early, before the party leadership finalises its list of candidates. After all, a wrong choice at the ballot box won’t just be a political setback – it’s the voters themselves who will feel the consequences most.
As we inch closer to the next state election, voters must approach the process with clarity, responsibility, and foresight. The power to shape our future lies in our hands – and with it, the duty to choose leaders who are not only electable but genuinely committed to serving the people.
Let us not be swayed by empty promises or fleeting popularity, but instead, make informed decisions that will bring lasting progress to our communities and our beloved Sarawak.
DISCLAIMER:
Aden Nagrace is the Editor-in-Chief of Sarawak Tribune. The views expressed here, however, are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at drnagrace@gmail.com.
