Focus on domestic issues, strengthen East Malaysia ties ahead of GE16, Julau MP tells PM

KUCHING (March 18): Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng has urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to prioritise domestic issues for the remainder of his term.

In a Facebook post, the Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president also called on Anwar to strengthen working relationships with leaders in Sabah and Sarawak.

“Improve the narrative on working for all Malaysians and manage race relations better. Maintaining a strong economy is key,” he said, sharing his views on the political landscape ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16), due in 2028.

On the timing of the next general election, Sng dismissed the likelihood of an early poll, citing the poor performance of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) in Sabah’s state election last year.

He said the upcoming Melaka and Johor elections would serve as a litmus test, adding that GE16 is likely to be held in early 2028 if Perikatan Nasional (PN) continues to strengthen its position.

Sng also predicted that PH and BN are unlikely to cooperate after GE16 due to overlapping seat claims and differing priorities.

On PH’s relationship with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he said the cooperation may not endure beyond the election.

Unlike BN, which does not contest in Sarawak, Sng said PH has indicated its intention to contest in both state and federal elections.

“This makes it awkward for both coalitions to cooperate and develop trust moving forward. As long as PMX needs GPS, PH Sarawak will be toothless. PH will likely suffer similar outcomes as in the recent Sabah PRN (state election),” he said.

He also commented on Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), suggesting that former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and his supporters may leave the party after the dissolution of Parliament, warning that prolonged internal infighting could be more damaging than external challenges.

On PN component party Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS), Sng said it has demonstrated discipline and is likely to expand further in Malay rural constituencies.

He added that PN chairman and PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar could inspire greater confidence among non-Muslims in a PAS-led government, given his professional background and experience as a Menteri Besar.

However, Sng expressed doubts over Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia’s (Bersatu) ability to lead the opposition, citing internal infighting within the party.

Sharing his projections for GE16, Sng said PH could lose 35 seats, BN could gain eight, PN could gain 15, Parti Warisan Sabah could gain seven, while Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) could gain five seats.