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Sarawak GPS rules out electoral pact with Peninsular parties

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak has confirmed it will contest all 82 state seats independently, treating major Peninsular opposition parties as political rivals rather than potential allies.

LSN Malaysia · 2 November 2026

Sarawak GPS rules out electoral pact with Peninsular parties

Sarawak's ruling GPS coalition has firmly rejected any prospect of electoral cooperation with Peninsular-based political parties, according to party spokesman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. The declaration underscores GPS's determination to maintain its dominant position in the state legislature by fielding candidates across all 82 available seats.

GPS has made clear that it regards major opposition figures and parties, including PKR and DAP, as political adversaries rather than prospective coalition partners. This stance reflects the coalition's confidence in its electoral strength within Sarawak and its preference for independent state-level politics.

The decision comes amid ongoing discussions within Malaysia's broader political landscape regarding coalition arrangements and electoral strategies. GPS's position highlights the distinct political dynamics in Sarawak, where state-level interests frequently supersede alignment with national political blocs.

The coalition's strategy indicates GPS intends to contest the next state election as a unified force, consolidating voter support around its platform rather than pursuing multi-state political partnerships. The announcement signals GPS's continued emphasis on Sarawak-centric governance and decision-making independent of influence from Peninsular political entities.