GPS elected representatives told to shift into ‘fifth gear’ as Sarawak state election nears, with grassroots machinery urged to prepare immediately.
KUCHING: All Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives have been urged to intensify preparations for the coming Sarawak state election, with party grassroots machinery told to move into “fifth gear” as the current legislative term approaches its end.
GPS Backbenchers Club chairman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said the coalition should already be shifting into election mode, stressing that preparations at all levels needed to be accelerated.
“I am confident that all GPS elected representatives are shifting into fifth gear for the state polls.
“The current term is nearing its end already,” he said during a GPS Backbenchers Club gathering in Kuching.
Fazzrudin, who is also chief political secretary to Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, said GPS leaders and their teams must also be prepared to address criticisms from opposition parties, particularly allegations relating to transparency and project implementation.
“Elected GPS representatives and their teams must counter allegations that GPS lacks transparency and that our projects do not produce tangible results.
“As the election gets nearer, we will have to counter more attacks from the opposition parties,” he said.
He also called on grassroots teams to assess readiness at the village level and ensure campaign preparations were aligned across constituencies.
According to Fazzrudin, local-level election teams should be prepared to mobilise immediately once the election is called.
GPS is led by Abang Johari through Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu and comprises other component parties including Parti Rakyat Sarawak, Sarawak United Peoples Party and Progressive Democratic Party.
The current Sarawak State Legislative Assembly term is scheduled to expire on Dec 18 this year.
Of the 82 seats in the state assembly, GPS currently controls 79, while Democratic Action Party holds two seats — Padungan and Pending — with Batu Lintang represented by an independent assemblyman.
Speculation has been mounting that the state election could be called shortly after the June Gawai Dayak celebrations.
