By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 1: Anonymous messages and photographs circulating on social media should not be taken as confirmation of prospective election candidates, as official announcements from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) have yet to be made, says Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
His remarks came in response to a WhatsApp message circulating among the public, purportedly listing GPS ministers, deputy ministers and elected representatives who would be dropped as candidates in the 13th Sarawak Election (PRU13).
Describing such messages as modern-day ‘surat layang’ (anonymous letters), the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief said the practice of spreading unverified claims without identifying their source was not new, although social media had made it easier to circulate such information.
He suggested that photographs of individuals being portrayed as prospective candidates could be circulated to test public reaction, rather than reflect any official decision by the coalition.
“There are certain reasons why they release these photographs. Perhaps they want to see the public’s response. It could be that they themselves are giving support, saying ‘this is good, this is good’, so that those at the top can see the public’s reaction,” he told reporters after attending the closing ceremony of Regatta Sarawak 2026 at Kuching Waterfront today.
Abdul Karim stressed that PBB and GPS did not normally publicise photographs of individuals being considered for candidacy ahead of an official announcement.
“Based on my experience in PBB and GPS, we do not circulate photographs of those we intend to field as candidates. We make the arrangements behind the scenes and an announcement ceremony will be held by the Premier,” he said.
He also cautioned the public against accepting claims in anonymous messages as factual, particularly when their sources could not be identified.
“By its very name, an anonymous letter does not identify or disclose who sent it. So sometimes we do not need to assume that whatever is written in it is true,” he said.
According to him, GPS chairman and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will make the official announcement on the coalition’s candidates when the time comes. — DayakDaily
