KUCHING: A clean sweep is on the cards for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the coming state election if it maintains a strong team spirit, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       He said the ruling state coalition was heading into the polls as a team to uphold Sarawak’s rights and secure the state's future.

       "We want to look to the future and we are confident we can deliver up to 2030 with our post-Covid-19 recovery plan.

       "So, our future is guaranteed up to 2030, God willing.

       "If we go into the battlefield in one spirit, we can sweep all 82 seats," he said when launching the GPS election machinery at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here Sunday night (Nov 28).

       Abang Johari thanked Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia and Barisan Nasional for staying out of the state election, saying they understood that Sarawak’s politics were different from Peninsula Malaysia.

       "They know that we are friendly but firm. All along we have said GPS will field candidates in all 82 seats," he said.

       Abang Johari added that there would be new faces in the GPS line-up as some incumbents had decided to step down.

       Among those not defending their seats are former Tebedu assemblyman Datuk Amar Michael Manyin, Datuk Wahab Abdul Aziz (Kalaka) and Datuk Seri Mohamad Ali Mahmud (Stakan), he said.

       "They are giving way to new faces because that is our culture," he added.

       The state election will take place on Dec 18, with nominations on Dec 6.

       GPS held 68 of the 82 seats in the state legislature prior to its dissolution on Nov 3.