No list of ministers, reps to be dropped for Sarawak polls, says GPS

GPS spokesman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has refuted a circulating list of ministers, deputy ministers, and elected representatives from the ruling coalition who are allegedly set to be dropped as candidates in the upcoming Sarawak state election. The list, which also contains photographs of the purported candidates, has been shared on social media but lacks any official confirmation.

According to Karim, who serves as the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief and also holds the position of GPS spokesman, the anonymous letter does not provide any substantiated information about the individuals involved. He emphasized that the presence of photographs of the supposed candidates further suggests that the list's purpose might be to gauge public reaction.

Karim pointed out that neither PBB nor GPS has ever previously released photographs of potential candidates before an official announcement. The Sarawak legislative assembly was dissolved on October 26, leading to the scheduled 13th state election within the next 60 days. GPS, which plans to contest all 82 state seats, intends to present a combination of fresh faces and experienced leaders.

Its chairman, Abang Johari Openg, previously mentioned that some elected representatives have voluntarily decided to step down, clarifying that "some incumbents are not being dropped, but instead choosing to step aside."