Sarawak is expected to hold its state election this year, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi has confirmed.
The last Sarawak state election was held on Dec 18, 2021.
“We had the last election five years ago, so of course it will be held this year. As for which month, that is the Premier’s prerogative,” said Nanta, who is also Works Minister, during an interview on BFM’s The Breakfast Grille. “I’m not going to give you a hint,” he added.
Nanta, who also serves as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) secretary-general, expressed confidence that GPS, the state’s ruling coalition, will retain a majority in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
Sarawak currently has 82 state seats, but the DUN approved the creation of 17 additional seats last year, which would increase the total to 99 once endorsed by the Dewan Rakyat.
“If that approval is granted, there will be 99 seats. I believe we will still win the majority,” he said.
On the issue of autonomy in healthcare and education, Nanta said Sarawak is seeking greater decision-making power in both sectors, which are currently under federal jurisdiction.
He noted that Sarawakian leaders have long voiced their desire to have more control over matters such as staff recruitment, the number of doctors, and education policies tailored to the state’s needs.
Addressing the ongoing negotiations related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Nanta said many issues have already been discussed in Parliament by Sarawak MPs, and several demands have been fulfilled.
However, he acknowledged that significant issues remain unresolved, particularly those involving Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros).
“We want control over our oil and gas resources,” he said.
Responding to claims that Sarawak is unwilling to bear exploration costs, Nanta said the state has never rejected such responsibilities and is open to negotiations on which aspects should remain under Petronas.
He added that Petronas should not be overly concerned about its role in Sarawak, stressing that the state has no intention of undermining the national oil company.
“We are not going to harm Petronas. The Premier has assured Petronas that we understand its role, but it may not be able to retain everything it previously had,” he said.
Nanta also expressed hope that disputes over Sarawak’s oil and gas rights can be resolved without resorting to legal action.
“As Malaysians, we should avoid going to court. What happens if the court’s decision does not satisfy all parties?” he said, adding that further legal action could complicate matters and heighten public sentiment.
