{
  "id": 18454805,
  "title": "Sarawak polls: First-time voters expected to make up 40pct of electorate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/sarawak-polls-first-time-voters-expected-to-make-up-40pct-of",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T05:55:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/11/1572099/sarawak-polls-first-time-voters-expected-make-40pct-electorate"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On December 12, Sarawak will hold its 13th election, with approximately 40 percent of voters expected to be first-time voters. These young voters are considered crucial in shaping the election's outcome and influencing the state's political landscape, according to GPS information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.\n\nGPS urges all political parties to engage with first-time voters, stressing that their decisions should be based on candidates' abilities and contributions to the community. Hamzah emphasized the importance of avoiding infighting based on race or religion and cautioned against being swayed by extreme sentiments.\n\nGPS candidate screening includes health checks, bankruptcy status verification, and criminal record reviews. Hamzah highlighted that candidates with chronic illnesses unfit for the role should reconsider their candidacy, as a term in office requires five years of service.\n\nThe GPS administration's achievements since 2017, such as Bintulu Port takeover, Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund establishment, and Coastal Road and bridge construction, will be key factors for voters to consider. The party also addressed concerns about the misuse of AI in election campaigns, urging political parties to refrain from generating fake content or defaming opponents.\n\nAbdul Karim emphasized that elections extend beyond state politics, potentially impacting federal government formation. He stressed the need for cooperation among political parties to ensure stability in the federal government following the upcoming general election.",
  "summary": "KUCHING: The 13th Sarawak election on Dec 12 will see voters aged 18 and above casting their ballots for the first time, making young voters a key factor in determining the election outcome.",
  "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."
}