KUCHING, October 17 2026, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will not take its strong position in the state for granted as it prepares for the upcoming Sarawak State Election, despite currently holding 80 of the 82 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information Chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the coalition remained mindful of voter sentiment and the importance of maintaining support in every constituency.
He said GPS was confident of retaining at least two-thirds of the seats, potentially securing three-quarters, but acknowledged that some constituencies might require greater attention and changes to their elected representatives.
Abdul Karim said candidate selection would take into account the party’s future plans, adding that some incumbents could be replaced if the leadership believed changes were necessary.
The Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister also said GPS, which comprises PBB, the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), was prepared for the election.
On potential seat overlaps among the coalition’s component parties, he said the matter would be resolved through discussions and consensus among the top leadership.
Abdul Karim, who has represented the Asajaya constituency for 25 years, said he was willing to step aside if the party decided to field a new candidate.
He also anticipated that at least 10 per cent of GPS candidates could be new faces in the coming election, stressing the importance of bringing younger leaders into state politics while strengthening women’s participation.
The current term of the Sarawak DUN expires in February 2027.
-BERNAMA
