KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is expected to focus on strengthening its coalition, advancing Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and prepare for the next state election.
Political analyst Associate Prof Dr Novel Lyndon said GPS would prioritise fostering unity among its component parties while evaluating the performance of state assembly members to ensure promises in the GPS election manifesto are fulfilled.
“The main things that GPS will do under the Premier are to strengthen the relationship between coalition members, develop Sarawak based on its own standards and needs, fight for Sarawak’s MA63 rights, and continue to increase the people’s confidence in GPS,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
He was asked to share his thoughts on what Sarawak can expect from GPS this year.
Dr Novel noted that GPS aims to boost Sarawak’s economy by increasing per capita income through natural resources, renewable energy, foreign direct investments, and human capital development.
This includes transforming education to align with market demands.
He added that key challenges for GPS include maintaining strong ties with the federal government to ensure Sarawak remains a priority in national development plans and addressing the influence of Malaya’s politics on younger and first-time voters.
On strategies, Dr Novel stressed the importance of political stability and inter-ethnic unity.
He urged GPS to ensure that development initiatives benefit the people directly, rather than being limited to symbolic projects.
“Sarawak’s rights under MA63 must be asserted based on the federalism concept and legislation.
“The ‘Sarawak First’ agenda must remain central, and sustainable development should be the foundation of all initiatives to position Sarawak as an investor-friendly state and a model for others in Malaysia,” he added.
Dr Novel also said that GPS must ensure the development agenda outlined in the state’s policies is implemented effectively, enabling Sarawakians to actively participate in and benefit from the progress.
