Analyst: Up to party leadership to name future successor of Kapit seat

KUCHING (March 25): The naming of a potential successor for the Kapit parliamentary seat ultimate depends on party leadership, said political analyst Prof Dr Jayum Jawan.

He said that under common political practice, candidates are determined by party leaders—even within a coalition.

“Although parties operate within a coalition, the head of the coalition ultimately endorses the candidates proposed by component party leaders,” he said.

Jayum noted that for Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), candidate selection lies with its president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

“As chairman of GPS, he also has the final say on candidates from component parties such as Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

“The presidents of these parties may propose their candidates, but the final decision remains with Abang Johari,” he explained.

He added that discussions surrounding potential successors should be seen as early signals rather than confirmation of any political shift.

“Such talk suggests there may be underlying dynamics within the Dayak leadership groups in PBB, but it is still at the stage of ‘wind before the storm’, not an immediate upheaval,” he said.

Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi on Monday had signalled that Datuk Alvin Runggah Jimbun is his preferred successor for the Kapit seat should he decide not to contest in future elections.

He said Alvin, who has served as a special duties officer, is experienced and capable of continuing the development agenda in Kapit, while calling for the Kapit community’s support to ensure development continuity.