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Dato Peter Minos (file pic)Advertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 26: Strong public support for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, coupled with a long list of government achievements and a positive public mood, could make next year, possibly July or August 2026, the ideal time for Sarawak to hold its State election, political pundit Dato Peter Minos said.
Based on his observations and what he has heard, Peter said the Sarawak election is likely to be held after the Gawai celebration in June, rather than in early 2027 as previously speculated.
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“July or August 2026 would be desirable as it comes after the festive and jovial Gawai period, while also offering more conducive weather conditions for campaigning and voter turnout,” he said in a statement today.
More importantly, Peter said, the timing would ride on the strong goodwill generated by the Premier and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government through a series of major development achievements and policy initiatives that have boosted public confidence.
He cited key milestones such as the completion and progress of the coastal highway and major bridges, the takeover of Bintulu Port, the launch of Sarawak-owned airline AirBorneo, rapid developments in green industries, and good progress of the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
He also highlighted people-centric initiatives including the launch of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), the growing role of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS) in the oil and gas sector, and the expansion of Affin Bank’s financial influence in the State, alongside numerous other initiatives.
“The happy mood is also driven by what is coming next,” he said, pointing to upcoming mega projects such as the proposed new international airport and deep sea port at Tanjung Embang, which he said would create jobs, income and business opportunities, ushering in a new era for Sarawak.
“That will make Sarawak admired and respected,” he added.
Peter stressed that elections are best held when conditions are good, voters are happy, and there is confidence in both the government of the day and the future direction of Sarawak.
“When the government is seen and perceived as doing good things for the people, that is the best time,” he said.
He observed that Sarawakians across all segments, young and old from both rural and urban, now view the Sarawak government, and the Premier in particular, as highly active, decisive and efficient.
“Acting fast and efficient. That matters a lot. Perception means a lot,” he said.
Peter also underscored Abang Johari’s role as a strong defender of Sarawak’s rights and interests, particularly in pushing the federal government to honour the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution.
“You hear him. You see him in action,” he said, citing the successful imposition of State Sales Tax on petroleum products following Sarawak’s firm stance against Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) as a key example that has significantly boosted State revenue.
“All these make Sarawakians happy and pleased,” he said.
In his view, the Premier has “done it right” in both development delivery and safeguarding Sarawak’s rights, creating what he described as the best possible mood for seeking a fresh mandate.
“Why wait till 2027 unless 2027 is a specially better year?” Peter asked. — DayakDaily
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