No opposition? GPS backbenchers can keep gov’t in check if it sweeps all 82 seats

Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. Photo credit: DayakDaily

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 17: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) hopes to win all 82 seats in the 13th Sarawak Election (PRN13), with its backbenchers expected to keep the State government in check even if no opposition lawmakers are elected.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said GPS backbenchers would act as a pressure group to ensure the State administration continued to function properly, even if the coalition secured a clean sweep in the coming State polls.

“We have our own checks and balances, including the Ombudsman Unit and other mechanisms to ensure accountability.

“Even if we win 100 per cent of the seats, our backbenchers will act as a pressure group, like the opposition, to ensure that the administration is run properly,” he told reporters during a press conference after officiating the Sarawak Folklore Writing Competition Awards Ceremony organised by DayakDaily at Imperial Hotel here today.

Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development and Asajaya assemblyman, said the decision on whether opposition lawmakers would be represented in the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly ultimately rested with voters.

“Whether there is going to be opposition or no opposition, it will rest on the people. Of course, we hope that we will be able to win 100 per cent,” he said.

GPS currently holds 80 of the 82 seats in the assembly, with the remaining two seats — Padungan and Pending — held by the Democratic Action Party (DAP).

The coalition won 76 seats in the 2021 Sarawak election before former Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) assemblymen joined Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) — a component party under GPS.

Abdul Karim said he believed Sarawak had performed well in financial management and governance, while highlighting the unity among the State’s Malay, Chinese, Dayak and other communities.

He also pointed to recognition from rating agencies and overseas leaders, saying many were looking to build ties and explore opportunities to work with Sarawak.

“That is why so many leaders are coming to Sarawak, wanting to be associated with the State and exploring opportunities to work with us. The confidence they have in Sarawak should also be recognised by local voters.

“If people from outside can appreciate and see that the State is being administered well, then voters should give their support to GPS,” he said. — DayakDaily