GPS doesn’t need any help to retain Jepak, say analysts

 

Sarawak’s ruling coalition GPS is expected to retain the state seat of Jepak at a by-election next month.

PETALING JAYA: Gabungan Parti Sarawak does not need any help from its coalition partners in the federal unity government for the Jepak by-election next month, analysts said.

James Chin of the University of Tasmania said GPS will have no problem winning the Jepak by-election on its own, citing the large majority garnered by the late assemblyman, Talib Zulpilip, in the 2021 Sarawak state election.

Besides, he believed the absence of allies from West Malaysia would be beneficial for GPS in its election campaign.

“For GPS, the less the federal sideshow is connected to the coalition the better. GPS is clear on its position: Sarawak first. The idea is that they don’t need any help from the peninsula,” Chin told FMT.

Council of Professors fellow Jeniri Amir believed GPS stands a bigger chance of winning in Jepak if there is less involvement from its allies, especially Umno. He said Umno’s tainted image would raise doubts among the voters there if the party made any appearance during the campaigning period.

“If those from outside want to go (to Jepak), locals may not accept it so readily. It is better for Umno to let GPS manage the by-election by itself, so as not to complicate matters at grassroots level,” Jeniri said.

On Wednesday, Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said coalition parties of the unity government are ready to assist GPS in the by-election. However, Zahid said GPS was in a strong position to retain the seat.

GPS’s Talib was returned for a sixth term at the 2021 state election with a majority of 4,243 votes. His death last month caused a by-election to be declared.

Last month, GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg said the party was ready to face the by-election, but did not disclose who would be fielded. - FMT