Chinese voters could deny GPS clean sweep in S’wak polls, says analyst

Analyst James Chin of the University of Tasmania anticipates Chinese voters in Sarawak's upcoming state election will prevent the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) from securing all 82 seats. Chin predicts urban Chinese voters will aid DAP in retaining at least two seats, making a GPS clean sweep of all 82 seats improbable. The Parti Bumi Kenyalang previously cautioned against the possibility of GPS gaining 100% of the seats, warning such dominance could lead to dictatorship.

Chin attributes GPS's strength to its "Sarawak First" stance, acceptance of English, and promise of free education regardless of race. The group also benefits financially from a RM4 billion annual surplus following a tax dispute with Petronas and federal funds for infrastructure projects. Dick Lembang Dugun of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak notes the opposition's limited presence, with only two representatives, hinders accountability, transparency, and checks & balances in the state assembly.

He emphasizes that without a robust opposition, the long-term erosion of democracy could occur, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. Currently, GPS holds 80 of Sarawak's 82 state assembly seats, while DAP holds the remaining two.