By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 6: Parties intending to challenge Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the coming 13th Sarawak Election should think twice and consider the bigger political picture, with GPS and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah suggesting there may be “no need to contest” if they find overwhelming support for the ruling coalition on the ground.
He said the Sarawak election was about more than a contest between GPS and the Democratic Action Party (DAP), pointing out that political parties, particularly those from Peninsular Malaysia, would eventually have to work together again at the federal level after the next parliamentary election.
Abdul Karim cautioned that excessive hostility during the election campaign could sow seeds of hatred and mistrust, potentially undermining political cooperation when parties needed to work together again in the federal government.
“An election is not just about the State. After this, we will face a parliamentary election. After the parliamentary election, you might need us also to bring stability to the government.
“That is why we have a unity government now, and that is the reason why we are also in Parliament. So, look at it that way,” he said during a press conference at his office here today, following the Election Commission’s (EC) announcement of the key dates for the Sarawak election.
Abdul Karim stressed that GPS would not stand in the way of opposition parties contesting, acknowledging that it was an individual’s democratic right to stand for election, provided the necessary requirements were fulfilled.
He noted that DAP would certainly be among the parties contesting, given its existing representation in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, including several incumbent seats, as well as its parliamentary representation in the State.
He also pointed out that a Member of Parliament from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), who is currently a Deputy Federal Minister, might also consider contesting in the State election.
“You cannot say that someone cannot contest in an election. It is an individual’s right, provided they fulfil certain requirements,” he said.
Nevertheless, Abdul Karim urged parties intending to challenge GPS to assess the political landscape carefully rather than “go-head saja” (rushing into the contest) simply because they had the right to do so.
“It is the right of Sarawakians to determine whom they want, whether it is GPS, DAP or PKR. Look at it, do your survey.
“If there is an overwhelming response on the ground that they still like or prefer GPS, there is no need to contest lah,” he said.
He also cautioned against overly aggressive campaigning, stressing that political differences should not lead to confrontations or lasting animosity among Sarawakians.
He said parties should be mindful that tensions generated during the state election could carry over into the next general election, making it more difficult to rebuild trust and cooperation at the federal level.
On the EC’s announcement of Dec 12 as polling day, Abdul Karim said the determination of election dates fell entirely within the commission’s prerogative.
He explained that while Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the ruling party were responsible for dissolving the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, decisions on nomination day, early voting, polling day and the electoral roll to be used were under the EC’s jurisdiction.
“We accept the announcement made today, and whatever dates they decide on, we will abide by them,” he said.
He expressed hope that voters would turn out in good numbers and exercise their democratic rights responsibly, without resorting to aggression or confrontations.
“That is not our culture in Sarawak. Let this be a very peaceful way for us to identify who is going to be our wakil rakyat (elected representatives) and which government will lead Sarawak after polling day,” he said. — DayakDaily
