Reports by MAZWIN NIK ANIS, SHARON LING, ANDY CHUA, JOSEPH KAOS Jr and TARRENCE TAN

       KUCHING: Following its landslide win in the state election, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is now in a stronger position, not only in Sarawak but also in its relationship with Putrajaya.

       The ruling coalition cemented its position in the 82-seat state legislature by taking 76 seats, up from the 72 it previously held.

       Political analyst James Chin said this would strengthen GPS’ hand in its dealings with the Federal Government.

       “It’s quite clear that with this landslide victory, the core Malay parties like Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) and Umno have no place in Sarawak, so they cannot interfere in Sarawak affairs.

       “This means GPS will not be challenged in the next general election, either by Barisan Nasional or Perikatan Nasional,” the University of Tasmania’s Professor of Asian Studies said.

       Chin also said the election results meant that Chief Minister Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was the “undisputed king of Sarawak politics” with a strong mandate of his own.

       “It further means that GPS’ rebranding exercise was a big success and that the people of Sarawak accept the rebranding,” he said.

       GPS was formerly Sarawak Barisan Nasional before its four component parties pulled out to form an independent state-based coalition after GE14.

       On the Opposition’s poor performance, Chin said a strong undercurrent against DAP as well as campaign restrictions due to Covid-19 played a part.

       “Sarawak DAP will have to do a lot of soul searching, while Sarawak PKR must find a strong single leader,” he said.

       DAP was left with only two seats after previously winning seven, while PKR failed to win a single seat.

       Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), meanwhile, saw its seats in the state assembly reduced from six to four.

       “PSB emerged as the strongest opposition challenger but it was still not enough to take more seats,” Chin said.

       Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) veteran member Datuk Peter Minos said GPS’ resounding victory showed that Sarawakians had confidence in the coalition to lead, develop and safeguard Sarawak.

       “I think Sarawakians trust GPS and Abang Johari to fight for Sarawak’s rights and interests, including getting the latest constitutional amendments passed in Parliament,” he said.