KUCHING: No single major issue has come to the forefront of the Sarawak state election with political parties campaigning on a range of concerns, from bread-and-butter issues to promises of development.

       This is largely due to the presence of many parties contesting on different platforms, say analysts.

       A record 349 candidates from the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition and nine Opposition parties as well as Independents are contesting in tomorrow’s polls.

       National Professors Council senior fellow Dr Jeniri Amir said GPS was mainly campaigning on its pledge to bring more development to Sarawak and its track record over the last five years.

       “Parti Sarawak Bersatu is harping on unfulfilled promises by GPS and claiming there is no development in certain areas.

       “Local parties like Parti Bumi Kenyalang are campaigning on independence, which doesn’t capture the imagination of most voters.

       “The bottom line is bread-and-butter issues of basic facilities and Internet connectivity in rural areas, which has become a common request,” he added.

       Universiti Putra Malaysia political scientist Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan said while many issues were being drummed up by the various parties, GPS was selling the “same old idea” that only it can ensure peace, stability and progress based on its long track record.

       However, he said this narrative was boosted by the passing of constitutional amendments in relation to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Parliament on Tuesday.

       “It gives the impression that GPS delivers, although precisely what it means in terms of oil revenue, money for development, autonomy and other related issues are not yet clearly spelt out.

       “The passing of the MA63 amendments clearly halts what PBK hopes to accomplish by brandishing its independence proposal to voters.

       “So too with other political parties that had hoped to ride on Sarawakian dissatisfaction in Malaysia,” he said.

       Jeniri observed that hot issues in previous elections, such as native customary rights to land, were less prominent this time.

       “It seems like there are no major issues at present,” he said.