KUCHING: The growing ‘Sarawak First’ sentiment and the enduring popularity of Premier Datuk Paringgi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg are expected to give Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) a major advantage in the coming state election.
Prominent political analyst Datuk Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said the regional political philosophy has continued to resonate strongly with Sarawakians since the 2021 state election.
“The ‘Sarawak First’ wave and the popularity of the Premier will help GPS,” said Lee, an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The term ‘Sarawak First’, which gained traction during the December 2021 state election, refers to a regional political philosophy championed by GPS that places Sarawak’s interests above federal political agendas from Peninsular Malaysia.
The approach emphasises greater state autonomy, the protection of indigenous rights, economic development and the restoration of rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
The narrative has successfully convinced many Sarawakians that local leaders are better positioned to defend the state’s interests and chart its future development.
The Sarawak government’s push towards digital transformation and economic modernisation has also strengthened public confidence in GPS.
Under the leadership of Abang Johari, the Sarawak government has aggressively promoted digitalisation initiatives, modern infrastructure, renewable energy development and efforts to transform Sarawak into a developed and high-income economy by 2030.
Lee said such policies have contributed significantly to the Premier’s popularity among Sarawakians, including urban voters.
“Some urban voters consistently see the Democratic Action Party (DAP) as an essential legislative watchdog, but surely this kind of voters will decrease,” he said.
He added that many urban voters are increasingly appreciative of the achievements delivered by GPS and are proud of the state government’s direction and accomplishments.
“They also enjoy and are proud of GPS’s achievements,” he said.
On whether the DAP can realistically challenge GPS dominance in the coming election, Lee believed the opposition party would remain relevant but face serious limitations in expanding its influence.
“They are practically guaranteed to survive I guess, but heavily constrained from expanding,” he said, despite reports that DAP is targeting up to 18 seats in the election.
Currently, DAP only holds two state seats — Padungan and Pending — represented by Chong Chieng Jen and Violet Yong respectively.
Lee also did not dismiss the possibility of DAP suffering a major setback similar to what happened in Sabah during the 2025 state election.
“Yes,” he said when asked whether DAP could end up without any seats in Sarawak.
DAP lost all its eight seats in the Sabah state election in 2025.
“Still, Lee said Chong may win but Violet’s seat is more challenging,” he said.
