KUCHING: The next Sarawak state election will take place this year, with the timing to be decided by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, according to a senior leader.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this was because the last state polls were held five years ago.
“I think 2026 definitely, but which month will be the prerogative of the Premier,” he told BFM’s The Breakfast Grille show yesterday.
Nanta declined to give any hint of the possible timing when pressed by presenter Wong Shou Ning.
He said GPS would continue to secure a large majority in the polls, although winning every seat was unlikely.
“I don’t think there will be a walkover, meaning 100%. We now have 82 state seats and it was approved in the state legislative assembly last year to increase it by another 17, to make it 99.
“But that will still have to be endorsed by a simple majority in the Dewan Rakyat. If that is done, then we will have 99 seats. I think we will still win with a big majority,” he said.
The last Sarawak polls was held on Dec 18, 2021, with GPS securing a landslide victory, winning 76 of the 82 seats.
