Sarawak Pakatan Harapan should counter negative influences and narrow racial and religious sentiments in facing the 12th state election, says PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar said Harapan wanted change not only at the national level, but also in Sarawak, where the state chapter of Harapan should move together as a united force.

"We cannot move as a nation if we cannot think beyond our longhouses or race or religious denominations... we can only succeed if we have a sense of justice and compassion which reflects our humanity.

"And Sarawakians must move as one force and united movement to reject any form of racist agenda or religious bigotry," he said at the Harapan Sarawak Baru dinner in Kuching tonight.

Also present were Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and PKR vice-present Zuraida Kamaruddin.

State Harapan leaders present included Sarawak PKR chairperson Baru Bian and state Harapan and DAP chairperson Chong Chieng Jen.

Earlier, Muhyiddin said the people of Sarawak were capable of correcting the political scenario in the GPS-led state in the next state election, which could be held as early as the end of next year.

"The people of Sarawak have high ambitions and hopes, but unfortunately today GPS in Sarawak is on its own and does not want to establish cooperation for progress (with Harapan)," he said.

Mohamad expressed confidence that Sarawak can continue to grow because any differences and problems can be resolved if there is cooperation.

He said certain quarters should not try to import racial issues which were being played in Peninsular Malaysia, especially by PAS and Umno, to Sarawak.

- Bernama