{
  "id": 17817193,
  "title": "GPS rules out pact with peninsula-based parties",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/gps-rules-out-pact-with-peninsula-based-parties-17817193",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T14:38:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/11/02/gps-rules-out-pact-with-peninsula-based-parties"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition has stated that it will not consider forming an alliance with any peninsula-based parties during the upcoming state election. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the coalition's spokesman, explained that Sarawak's political dynamics differ from those at the federal level, where cooperation between parties might not necessarily result in electoral partnerships. According to Karim, GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg has already declared that the coalition will contest all 82 seats in Sarawak, meaning they will proceed on their own. When asked about collaborations with parties like PKR, DAP, PAS, Bersatu, and Amanah, Karim emphasized that such proposals were now too late. He further suggested that GPS would continue to view these parties as opposition groups. Karim also questioned the idea of relying on West Malaysia-based parties, pointing out that major decisions affecting Sarawak would ultimately need approval from the national leadership. He argued that such a setup was not desirable, as Sarawak parties are capable of making decisions that benefit the people directly. The Sarawak legislative assembly was dissolved on October 26, setting the stage for the 13th state election to take place within the next 60 days.",
  "summary": "The coalition’s spokesman, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, says GPS will treat parties such as PKR and DAP as the opposition as it plans to contest all 82 seats in Sarawak.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}