By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 22: A strong mandate in the coming 13th Sarawak State Election would further reinforce Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) position in government and ensure continued political stability in the State, said Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan, adding that such an outcome would also allow Sarawak’s leadership to leave behind a stable and enduring governance legacy.
He said that if Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg were to retire in the future, he would leave behind a well-structured administration and a stronger political foundation for both GPS and the people of Sarawak.
Noting Sarawak’s stable political environment, Voon said there is no urgency to dissolve the Sarawak Legislative Assembly prematurely.
“The current term can continue until around April 2027. The upcoming State election is widely expected to reaffirm GPS’s mandate, and a strong victory would further strengthen the coalition midway through its next term,” he said in a statement on Thursday (May 21).
His remarks came in response to recent comments by the Premier during the GPS Backbenchers Night on Wednesday (May 20), which hinted that the Sarawak election may be drawing nearer.
The current Sarawak legislative term ends in February 2027, with elections required to be held by April 2027.
Turning to Peninsular Malaysia, Voon cautioned that calling a general election at this juncture would carry significant risks, given the absence of certainty that the current federal administration would be able to retain its mandate or govern effectively.
He stressed that federal political stability must remain the immediate priority, noting that the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is still navigating internal and external pressures, including coalition dynamics, economic challenges, and security concerns.
“Calling for a general election now would carry significant risks, as there is no guarantee the present federal government would retain power and continue governing effectively,” he said.
Voon added that the remaining parliamentary term, which runs until 2028, should instead be used to strengthen political cohesion within the ruling coalition, rebuild public confidence, and address pressing economic and governance issues affecting the country.
“In any election, there is no guarantee the government of the day will retain power, especially when there are unresolved economic and security challenges,” he said.
He also emphasised that political stability and strong governance are crucial to sustaining investor confidence and attracting foreign investment, which in turn supports continued economic growth in both Sarawak and Malaysia.
This follows growing political speculation that Malaysia could head to the polls earlier than scheduled, with shifting political dynamics raising the possibility of an early general election.
Malaysia’s 16th General Election (GE16) is due by February 2028.
Last Sunday (May 17), Anwar was reported to have hinted that he might call an early general election if tensions within the unity government continue to escalate.
The remarks came amid heightened political positioning among coalition partners, including Johor Barisan Nasional’s decision to contest all 56 state seats and Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) indication that it is prepared for a full contest in Negeri Sembilan if necessary.
This comes as anticipation builds that Melaka and Johor could also hold their state elections earlier than expected, potentially alongside a general election. The Melaka state assembly term ends in December 2026, while Johor’s ends in April 2027, with elections due by February 2027 and June 2027 respectively.
However, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has on Wednesday (May 20) said Anwar had informed the Cabinet that Barisan Nasional (BN), Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) had reaffirmed their support for the unity government and pledged to remain with the administration until the end of the current term. — DayakDaily
