GPS to field candidates in all 82 Sarawak state assembly seats

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has confirmed it will field candidates across all 82 state assembly constituencies in the forthcoming Sarawak election, signalling the coalition's intent to secure a comprehensive political mandate.

Coalition chairman Abang Johari Openg made the announcement while acknowledging that the distribution of seats among GPS component parties remains under discussion. The coalition comprises multiple political entities that must agree on candidacy arrangements to avoid internal competition.

Abang Johari noted that some sitting ministers have indicated they will not contest the election, potentially opening seats for fresh political talent within the coalition. He did not specify which ministers would step aside or provide details on the timeline for finalising seat allocations.

The GPS has dominated Sarawak politics since its formation in 2018, when the coalition wrested control from the long-ruling Barisan Nasional. The upcoming election represents another opportunity for the coalition to consolidate its position in Malaysia's largest state by land area.

Final seat allocations among GPS component parties are expected to be announced following ongoing negotiations between coalition leadership and member organisations.