By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 28: Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) development achievements have strengthened its political standing, leaving opposition parties facing questions over their ability to mount a serious challenge in the coming Sarawak Election, says political analyst Dato Peter Minos.
In a recent statement, he attributed the perceived strength of GPS to its achievements over the past five years, citing roads, bridges, industrial developments, tourism facilities and hotels as examples of the state’s progress.
He also highlighted initiatives and institutions such as the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, Development Bank of Sarawak (DBOS), AirBorneo, Affin Bank and the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), arguing that these had attracted public attention and recognition.
“Everything stems from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s ideas, innovation, creativity, grit, determination and passion for Sarawak’s development,” he said.
Turning to the opposition, Minos questioned whether the Democratic Action Party (DAP) could retain its two existing Sarawak seats, arguing that the party’s image in Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia could affect its standing in the State.
He also described Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) political presence in Sarawak as weak, questioning its leadership at the State level.
On Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), he argued that the party faced difficulties gaining broader acceptance in Sarawak, citing what he described as local sensitivities towards mixing religion and politics.
“As for Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB), it rises when elections are approaching but seems to go into a quiet slumber between elections. Why this is so, I would not know.
“Maybe it lacks resources, has lost its appeal or does not have credible leadership,” Minos said.
Meanwhile, smaller parties and independent candidates were described as lacking a consistent presence outside election periods.
Overall, Minos argued that GPS’ perceived effectiveness in governing Sarawak had made it difficult for opposition parties to present themselves as credible alternatives.
His assertions about voter preferences and the electoral prospects of individual parties, however, were opinions expressed in the commentary rather than findings from a representative voter survey.
“The 13th Sarawak Election will determine the composition of the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) and provide an electoral test of public support for the parties contesting the State,” he added. — DayakDaily
