GABUNGAN Parti Sarawak (GPS) will again “win quite handsomely” in the state elections which are due by next July, says Dr Bridget Welsh.

The political scientist said Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg’s political manoeuvres with the federal government, especially in the matter of oil royalty, have struck a positive note among Sarawakians.

“Abang Jo’s leadership does face some challenges (but) he has done important things in managing federal state relationships, particularly in capitalising on issues of Petronas,” she said yesterday on Bersih 2.0’s Facebook Live.

The honorary research fellow at the University of Nottingham Malaysia’s Asia Research Institute said the GPS will retain the state as the opposition is fractured.

“I look at the weakness of the opposition, the vision within the opposition itself and failure of the opposition to provide alternatives,” Welsh said.

The opposition led by DAP has 12 seats compared to GPS’ 68.

Welsh said GPS is in a prime position for state elections but may consider holding them at the same time as the general election.

This, she said, is to avoid unnecessary attention on the state polls.

“I think there are clear reasons why GPS wants to move ahead with elections because they are in a very strong position.

“There is also the recognition that they might hold elections at the same time as national elections. The reason for that is that they would not have the federal onslaught of activity coming into the state.

“At the same time it comes at a cost as they do not get the same goodies that come with the federal onslaught,” Welsh said.

However, she added Sarawakians are much smarter this time around compared to previous elections and that the GPS government has invested much of its resources in appeasing the electorate.

“I think there is also a much more demanding electorate in Sarawak that people recognise. This is something I think the state government recognises. They have spent a lot of money. They are relying a lot on resources,” Welsh said

GPS was formed after Barisan Nasional lost the 2018 general elections. It is made up of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Sarawak United People’s Party, Sarawak People’s Party, and Progressive Democratic Party. – October 6, 2020.