KUCHING: Speculation over the 13th Sarawak Election is intensifying, with political analyst Datuk Peter Minos predicting polls could be called within months.
He believes the question is no longer whether the Sarawak election will be held this year, but which month before the end of 2026 voters will head to the ballot box.
According to Minos, although the current term of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) only expires in April 2027, Sarawak has traditionally avoided holding elections close to the end of a government’s term.
“It is no longer a question of when, but which month before the end of this year,” he said when commenting on growing speculation surrounding the timing of the 13th Sarawak Election.
Minos said political observers are divided between two possible windows -either September or October, or towards the end of the year in November or December.
However, he stressed that the final decision rests solely with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“If he thinks that the economy is getting worse due to the Iran war, he may get the polls early, maybe even in August or September,” he said.
On the other hand, Minos noted that if the economic situation remains manageable and the people understand the reasons behind rising living costs and economic uncertainty, the election may only be called nearer the year-end.
Apart from economic concerns, Minos pointed to political developments in Peninsular Malaysia as another factor that could influence the timing of the polls.
He said tensions involving the Democratic Action Party (DAP) within Pakatan Harapan (PH), particularly over issues such as the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and reforms, may weaken the opposition’s position in Sarawak.
According to him, DAP Sarawak has also been seen as persistently criticising Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) over what he described as petty matters.
Minos said GPS currently enjoys a strong public perception as not only a government that is capable of delivering projects and development, but also as a creative and innovative administration focused on Sarawak’s interests.
He added that this favourable perception could encourage the ruling coalition to seek a fresh mandate earlier rather than later.
“GPS appears confident, united and is facing a weak opposition. It may believe that now is the right time to seek the people’s mandate,” he said.
Among the projects that Minos said have boosted public confidence in GPS are the Batang Lupar Bridge, AirBorneo and Affin Bank initiatives, as well as upcoming mega developments such as the proposed deep-sea port and airport at Tanjung Embang.
“These people-friendly projects have impressed the rakyat and become a strong motivator for GPS to ask for a fresh mandate,” he said.
Minos also reminded politicians from both the government and opposition to prepare themselves for what he described as “the battle of their lives” over the next six months.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari himself recently hinted that the election may be drawing closer.
Speaking during the GPS Backbenchers Night at the Pullman Kuching on Wednesday, he acknowledged growing speculation over the polls, while reiterating that the current state government’s term remains valid until February.
“I also do not know when the election will be, but what I do know is that our term lasts until February. It is getting close, but I still do not know when the ‘drum will sound’,” he was quoted as saying.
