GPS knows the game, analyst says on attempts to link it to BN

Cyber activists attempting to link the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition may find it challenging to sway public opinion, according to an analyst. Jeniri Amir, a Fellow of the National Council of Professors, believes GPS leaders are cognizant of these attempts to shape perceptions, particularly in the lead-up to the Sarawak and Melaka state elections as well as the 16th general election.

The analyst asserts that GPS should maintain its neutral stance to avoid confusion about its relationship with other parties.

Several pro-BN social media accounts recently shared images of Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof with Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh, suggesting a connection between their meeting and GPS's decision to contest the Sarawak election independently. However, Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, clarified that his visit to Melaka was for official government business.

GPS's information chief, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, reiterated that the coalition would contest the Sarawak polls independently and without any electoral pacts with parties from Peninsular Malaysia. GPS's status as an independent local coalition capable of making its own decisions is crucial, especially with the Sabah and Sarawak blocs expected to play a significant role in determining the federal government's formation during the upcoming election.

The relationship between GPS and Peninsular Malaysia coalitions depends on which side holds power in Putrajaya, according to Jayum Jawan, a fellow at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. History has shown that PBB and its coalition have not permanently aligned with any party, particularly after the 2018 general election when PBB left the coalition and formed GPS.

If BN and Umno regain power following GE16, GPS might potentially return to cooperation with the coalition; conversely, if PH remains in government, GPS could revert to being independent.

Jayum emphasized that BN's attempts to project influence in Sarawak may not significantly impact voters, as the coalition lacks branches, members, or grassroots machinery in the state. Social media campaigns are more likely to reach urban voters, while rural and semi-urban areas, where most Sarawak voters reside, prioritize issues such as livelihoods, infrastructure, and essential services.