{
  "id": 42841,
  "title": "GPS man disputes claim of East Malaysia losing kingmaker role",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/gps-man-disputes-claim-of-east-malaysia-losing-kingmaker-role",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-02T11:54:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/02/gps-man-disputes-claim-of-east-malaysia-losing-kingmaker-role"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the wake of the 2022 Malaysian general election, a Sarawak leader has challenged the notion that East Malaysian parties are set to lose their pivotal role in the upcoming parliamentary elections. Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the spokesman for GPS and information chief of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, asserts that the political landscape could change, but emphasizes the crucial position of Sabah and Sarawak. He contends that any analysis of national politics must acknowledge the strategic significance of these two states. \"One must remember, where are Malaysia's natural resources? Where are they located? Do you think Peninsular Malaysia-based political parties are willing to take that risk by not cooperating with Sarawak or Sabah? Do they dare?\" Karim articulated to Kuching-based media outlet Dayak Daily.\n\nThis assertion comes in response to Larry Sng, president of Parti Bangsa Malaysia, who expressed confidence that \"based on the current trajectory\" from the Negeri Sembilan election results, \"it is highly likely that BN-PN will easily form a simple majority after the next general election.\" They had secured 98 seats in the 2022 general election, needing an additional 14 to achieve a majority. However, Karim, while acknowledging that GPS joined the unity government to promote stability, maintains that if the political dynamics in Peninsular Malaysia shift to favor a single party or coalition capable of forming a government without the involvement of Sabah and Sarawak, GPS maintains its position.",
  "summary": "Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says Sabah and Sarawak’s influence comes not only from their seats in Parliament, but also their economic importance and natural resources.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sarawak leader challenges East Malaysia losing kingmaker role claim.",
    "GPS spokesman Abdul Karim emphasizes Sabah and Sarawak's strategic significance.",
    "GPS maintains position if Peninsular Malaysia shifts politically."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Pemimpin GPS tepis dakwaan Malaysia Timur hilang peranan ‘kingmaker’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/pemimpin-gps-tepis-dakwaan-malaysia-timur-hilang-peranan-kingmaker",
        "published": "2026-08-02T12:32:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}