SARAWAK POLLS | Unless they manage to cobble together a united front at the eleventh hour, analysts foresee that GPS’ rivals stand little chance in the upcoming Sarawak election.

They also predict a lower turnout rate, as out-of-state voters may not be inclined to disrupt their Christmas plans to be home early to vote on Dec 18.

With a host of incumbency advantages, the pressure is on Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to hold on to its two-thirds majority - which is exactly the ruling coalition’s target.

GPS enters the election as incumbents in 68 seats. The opposition are incumbents in 12 seats of which PSB has six, DAP has five, and one is held by an independent.

CM needs a mandate

Speaking to Malaysiakini, University of Tasmania Malaysian politics expert James Chin noted this was Abang Johari Openg’s first state election as chief minister.

He was appointed to replace Adenan Satem in 2017 when the popular chief minister suffered a fatal heart attack while in office.

Chin opined that Johari, or Abang Jo as is popularly known, sorely needs a...