KUCHING: As Sarawak prepares for its next state election, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) delegates are hoping Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will retain its mandate to continue the state’s development agenda.
Several delegates interviewed by Sarawak Tribune on the sidelines of the PBB Southern Zone Special Convention 2026 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Nov 15) cited progress in infrastructure, education, economic growth and social welfare as reasons for their support.
They also expressed hope that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would continue leading the state, while backing GPS candidates in their respective constituencies.
Mohamad Faizzul Mohamad Hairusalleh, 35, from the PBB Tanjong Datu branch, said he hoped the party would win all the seats it contested.
He also voiced support for Abang Johari to remain as Premier, saying he wanted the current leadership to continue.
“Of course, we hope PBB will win, and we want Abang Johari’s leadership to continue. We believe there is no one who can match him,” he said.
Meanwhile, Afiq Sallehi, 35, of the PBB Stakan branch, said Sarawak had undergone significant changes over the past five to 10 years, with development continuing towards the state’s 2030 aspirations.
He said progress in education, infrastructure and social development had helped ensure that people of all races were included in the state’s development.
Looking ahead to the election, he expressed hope that incumbent Stakan assemblyman Datuk Hamzah Brahim would be renominated, citing his contributions and achievements during his first term.
“If Datuk Hamzah Brahim is nominated again, we will do our best to support him in this election. We appreciate the efforts he has made during his first term, as we have seen many changes in the constituency,” he said.
For 21-year-old Siti Nur Arfah Aina Madzali Khan of the PBB Tupong Belia branch, Sarawak’s continued development under the present leadership is among the reasons for her support for GPS.
She said the Premier had demonstrated commitment to major development initiatives, including hydrogen projects and the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
She also noted that Sarawak’s economy and development continues to progress over the years, despite the state having previously been underestimated by others.
“We hope for the best for GPS, the Premier and all the leaders across Sarawak. When it is time to vote, we hope people will come out and support GPS,” she said.
Another PBB Tupong Belia branch member, Mohamad Aiman Fitri, 25, said Sarawak has experienced rapid development over the past decade under Abang Johari’s leadership.
He expressed hope that GPS would win the coming election to ensure the continuation of the state’s development agenda.
He also said existing initiatives, including improvements to the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS) programme and expanded access to education, had provided meaningful support for young Sarawakians.
“What has been provided so far is sufficient to support young people in Sarawak,” he said.
He also encouraged young Sarawakians, particularly those living outside the state, to return and cast their votes.
“To the young people, come back and vote for GPS,” he said.
