Parti Sedar Rakyat will not contest Premier’s seat, cites need for political stability in Sarawak

Affendi Jeman

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, April 17: Parti Sedar Rakyat, which is in the process of rebranding to Parti Wawasan Rakyat, has confirmed that it will not contest the State Legislative Assembly seat held by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg in the upcoming Sarawak election.

Its president, Affendi Jeman, said the decision not to field a candidate in the Premier’s seat reflects the party’s belief that effective leadership should be allowed to continue its mandate in the interest of continuity and stability.

“Parti Sedar Rakyat has decided that among the State Legislative Assembly seats we will not contest is the seat held by the Premier of Sarawak.

“This reflects our view that leadership which is currently delivering effectively should be allowed to continue its mandate in the interest of stability and continuity,” he said in a statement today.

The Premier currently represents the Gedong seat, which he won in 2021 after moving from Satok and taking over from Datuk Naroden Majais.

The move follows the party’s recognition of Abang Johari’s leadership in steering Sarawak through global economic uncertainties, including pressures linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Affendi said the Sarawak government has demonstrated a strong people-centric approach through several key initiatives, including a 25 per cent electricity bill discount benefiting more than 700,000 households, increased allocations for the Sarawak Basic Needs Assistance (SKAS), and rental discounts of up to 50 per cent for markets and stalls under local authorities.

He emphasised that in times of global uncertainty, Sarawak requires leadership that is stable, credible and solution-oriented.

He also expressed the party’s commitment to adopting a responsible political approach in preserving State leadership stability.

“As president of the party, I wish to make it clear that we will not take any position that undermines the stability of the State leadership.

“Our priority is to ensure that policies and initiatives that benefit the people can continue without disruption,” he added.

On Feb 15, Affendi revealed that the party will contest 15 seats in the upcoming Sarawak election. However, he declined to disclose the constituencies involved. — DayakDaily