KUCHING: Five-term Tarat assemblyman Datuk Seri Roland Sagah says he is ready to lead the fight for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) should he be given the nod to contest in the coming Sarawak election.
Despite having served the constituency for three decades, the Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said retirement is not on his mind, insisting that he is still healthy, fit and capable of continuing to serve the people of Tarat.
However, Sagah stressed that the final decision on whether he will defend the seat rests entirely with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and GPS chairman.
“As far as I am concerned, I am ready not only to defend the seat but also to deliver another victory for PBB and GPS,” he said in an interview with Sarawak Tribune.
Sagah has built an impressive electoral record since making his debut in Tarat in 1996 when he was returned unopposed, reflecting PBB’s dominance in the constituency.
He strengthened his grip in the 2001 state election by securing almost 80 per cent of the votes and defeating two independent candidates with a commanding 6,297-vote majority, the largest of his political career.
Although his vote share dipped to 69.3 per cent in 2006, he still comfortably defeated a Sarawak National Party (SNAP) challenger by more than 3,200 votes.
His toughest electoral test came in 2011 at the height of the opposition surge in Sarawak.
Facing a strong challenge from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), his vote share fell to 56.4 per cent while his majority narrowed to 1,995 votes, the smallest margin he has recorded.
Sagah staged a convincing comeback in 2016, increasing his vote share to 73.6 per cent and defeating PKR’s Musa Ngog by 5,421 votes, restoring Tarat’s status as one of PBB’s safest seats.
He continued his winning streak in the 2021 election under the GPS banner, polling 6,500 votes or 60.3 per cent in a five-cornered contest to secure a 5,008-vote majority against candidates from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), PKR, Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru and an independent.
Widely regarded as one of Sarawak’s longest-serving and most successful assemblymen, Sagah has overseen major development in Tarat, including improved road connectivity, infrastructure and public utilities that have benefited villages throughout the constituency.
As minister responsible for education and talent development, he has also championed higher education opportunities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), encouraging more young Sarawakians to pursue skills-based education in line with the state’s future workforce needs.
With six consecutive election victories behind him and another state election looming, Sagah appears poised for yet another outing if entrusted once again by the party leadership.
The current 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) is mandated to conclude on or before April 10, 2027, following the 2021 election.
