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In first, GPS to face Sarawak election as a team

Its candidates will include 24 new faces.

Nur Shazreena Ali
1 minute read
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Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman and chief minister Abang Johari Openg. Photo: Bernama
Gabungan Parti Sarawak chairman and chief minister Abang Johari Openg. Photo: Bernama

The ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition today said it would face the upcoming state election as a united front, fielding 82 candidates including 24 new faces.

GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg who is also Sarawak chief minister said this would be a first for the coalition.

“All of us will go for GPS as a team,” he said after handing over the letters of authorisation to the 82 candidates.

“This is the first time we will go into an election as GPS.”

Speaking at a press conference in Kuching, he said GPS stands for “Sarawak first”.

“The political landscape in Sarawak, only the people of Sarawak know,” he added.

Abang Johari also said GPS had made a bold move in introducing 24 new faces.

“By fielding new faces, they will be able to learn and we can train them,” he said.

“This will be exposure for young candidates and of course, they will have their own way.”

He said the new faces also comprise those who are experienced and who can perform their duties as elected representatives in their respective constituencies.

“The rationale behind this is to guarantee continuity for Sarawak. For the past four years, we have continued what Tok Nan promised,” he said, referring to former chief minister Adenan Satem who died in January 2017.

Abang Johari, who holds the Satok seat, also confirmed that he would be contesting in Gedong while a new candidate, Ibrahim Baki, would run in Satok.