By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 13: Activist Peter John Jaban has hinted at contesting the Sarawak Election 2026 as an independent candidate but has kept the constituency he intends to contest under wraps, saying he will reveal his choice at the last minute.
According to a press release, he said that voters should not feel compelled to choose only between Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the existing opposition; highlighting that independent candidates could provide a different form of representation without necessarily being adversarial towards the State government.
“While acknowledging that a strong GPS mandate would reflect public confidence in Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s leadership and policies, and could contribute to political stability, efficient government, and economic growth, the performance and suitability of individual constituency representatives should be assessed separately,” he said when asked about a meeting of social activists in Kota Kinabalu to push for the setting up of an ‘Alliance of Independents’ for the next parliamentary election.
He stressed that a vote for Abang Johari’s effectiveness as Premier does not necessarily mean that every constituency will have the same priorities or needs as each has its own demographics, profile, and challenges.
He argued that independent representatives could provide an important balance in the legislature by raising grassroots concerns, particularly those affecting marginalised communities, without being constrained by party positions or political considerations, and stressed that being independent did not automatically mean being an opposition representative.
“We respect political parties and acknowledge their important role in our democratic system. However, the people’s interests must always come first. We are not against any political parties. We believe that the interests of the people should never be secondary to party interests.
“Independent does not necessarily mean opposition. It means having the freedom to make decisions based on what is best for the people,” he said.
Peter also observed that a possible GPS clean sweep would, to some extent, reflect public perceptions of the existing opposition and its relationship with GPS in the august House.
He said an adversarial opposition approach might not necessarily reflect the aspirations of Sarawakians in the State’s current political and economic circumstances, adding that independent candidates could offer another avenue for constructive representation, scrutiny and accountability.
Additionally, he said the independent platform would offer voters a genuine alternative to champion local issues, strengthen grassroots representation, and hold the government accountable.
On how voters should assess candidates, Peter urged them to look beyond political affiliations, party logos, campaign promises, and slogans. He said the widespread availability of information through social media and other communication platforms had made it easier for voters to examine candidates’ employment records, public service contributions, track records, and overall performance.
“Don’t judge us by the political party we do not belong to. Judge independent candidates by their experience, credibility, track record, ideas and what they can deliver for the people.
“We are here to serve, not to fight for political positions or personal ambitions. The people are my priority, and the voters are my bosses,” he said.
On Aug 22, The Star reported that a push to forge a national alliance of independent candidates to contest all 222 parliamentary seats in the next general election is being spearheaded by social activists and a former politician.
Peninsular Malaysia-based social activist Datuk Raj Manickam, Sarawak indigenous rights advocate Peter John Jaban, and former Sabah DAP nominated assemblyman Datuk Ronnie Loh Ee Eng disclosed plans to establish a nationwide ‘Independent Alliance’.
They said their goal was to preserve national unity while ensuring decentralisation did not weaken federal stability, calling for reforms that balance federal and state powers. — DayakDaily
