KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties have gelled as a solid front ahead of the 12th state election next month. No one would disagree.
But the same cannot be said of the opposition where disagreement and disunity seem to be threatening any chance of mounting a cohesive challenge.
Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said the unity and solidarity in GPS showed that the coalition is ready to battle it out in the Dec 18 state election.
“Nice to hear and read that GPS is really readying itself for the coming election with a sense of unity and solidarity, and of course with an air of confidence.
“As nomination day on Dec 6 and polling on Dec 18 are fast approaching, GPS is readying itself and shifting into full gear,” he said.
He added that the obvious unity shown in the GPS ranks showed their confidence and proved that as one solid team they will do well in the election.
In addition, he said a meeting on Sunday saw top leaders of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and key supporters coming together, talking in one voice in facing the opposition.
“Compared to the opposition, until today, they are still fighting among themselves openly, thus showing all the cracks and disunity, and lack of common leadership and objective,” said Minos, when contacted by New Sarawak Tribune recently.
He pointed out that political parties must be united, regardless of political ranks, as well as have discipline and a common agenda.
On the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, he questioned if its component parties can sit and talk to each other.
“As we see what is happening with PH, we can never know how they will end up or whether they can meet each other and talk it out to solve the issues at hand.
“The Democratic Action Party (DAP) and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) are not in talking terms on the allocation of seats.
“Furthermore, DAP and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) are also not in the mood to compromise as PSB wants to grab all 82 seats,” claimed Minos.
Minos doubted if there would be a split in the PH coalition, but said it was likely that its component parties would go up against each other in many seats.
“The opposition has one more week until nomination day Dec 6 to talk and compromise with each other.
“I am doubtful of this possibility but they will likely fight each other in many seats. Also, do not forget the Gabungan Anak Sarawak (Gasak) that will compete in the election,” said Minos.
With a united, disciplined and well-led GPS facing an obviously disunited and fractured opposition of DAP, PKR, PSB and GASAK, anyone in Sarawak can make an intelligent guess on the outcome by Dec 18.
“I say and repeat that GPS is poised to win at least 72 out of 82 seats and of that, as a voter, I am pretty confident,” he added.
