Abang Johari Urges GPS Unity, Says Sarawak Must Stand Together For Its Voice To Be Heard In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR,MAY,2026 – Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has urged parties under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to remain united, saying the state’s political strength depends on its ability to speak with one clear voice.

Abang Johari, who is also GPS chairman, made the call while officiating the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Triennial General Assembly 2026 in Sibu. His message focused on unity, political stability and Sarawak’s continued efforts to safeguard its rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

According to Abang Johari, Sarawak’s unity has given the state an important role in national politics, especially during periods of uncertainty at the federal level. He said a united political bloc can help determine the direction of the country when the national political situation becomes unstable.

The Premier stressed that Sarawak must remain united if it wants its voice to be heard. He said the state’s strength does not come from division, but from cooperation among local parties that share the same goal of defending Sarawak’s interests.

Abang Johari also reminded GPS component parties that differences within the coalition should be resolved internally. He described disagreements as something normal in any family or organisation, but said they must not be allowed to weaken the larger struggle for Sarawak’s future.

His remarks came at a time when Sarawak-based parties are preparing for the next state election. As the ruling coalition in Sarawak, GPS is expected to focus heavily on political stability, local rights and development continuity as part of its broader campaign message.

Abang Johari said GPS component parties have consistently placed Sarawak’s interests first. He reiterated that the coalition is not asking for more or less than what had been agreed by the state’s forefathers under MA63, but wants those agreements to be respected and fulfilled.

The issue of MA63 remains central to Sarawak politics. For GPS, the agreement is not merely a historical document, but a foundation for discussions on autonomy, development rights, revenue, education, healthcare and the state’s position within the federation.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s stable government has allowed the state to plan and implement long-term policies. Among the initiatives highlighted were free tertiary education, renewable energy development, digital transformation and the expansion of hydrogen-related industries.

He said Sarawak’s strong fiscal position has enabled the state government to introduce people-focused policies, including free tertiary education for Sarawakian students at state-owned higher learning institutions. According to him, this policy is intended to reduce the financial burden on families while preparing the younger generation for future opportunities.

The Premier also pointed to emerging sectors such as hydrogen energy, aerospace, artificial intelligence, satellite technology and the digital economy as areas that Sarawak is now prioritising. He said these sectors are part of the state’s plan to prepare young Sarawakians for future industries.

Abang Johari’s speech also carried a clear political message for GPS members: unity must be protected because it is directly linked to Sarawak’s influence at the federal level. A divided Sarawak, he suggested, would weaken the state’s bargaining power in defending its rights and development agenda.

The call for unity also comes amid discussions within GPS over coalition dynamics and seat allocation ahead of the next state election. PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing recently said the party intends to defend all eight seats it currently holds, while also stressing the need for mutual respect and power-sharing within GPS.

In this context, Abang Johari’s message appears to be aimed at ensuring that internal competition or differences between component parties do not distract from the coalition’s larger objective. For GPS, maintaining a united front will be important as it prepares to seek a renewed mandate from Sarawak voters.

Sarawak’s political stability has often been presented by GPS as one of the state’s main strengths. The coalition has argued that stable leadership allows the state to pursue long-term economic planning, negotiate more effectively with Putrajaya and maintain development momentum across urban and rural areas.

Abang Johari’s emphasis on unity also reflects Sarawak’s wider political identity, where local-based parties have positioned themselves as the main defenders of state interests. Since GPS was formed after Sarawak parties left Barisan Nasional in 2018, the coalition has continued to promote the message of “Sarawak First” in state and national politics.

For now, the Premier’s message is clear: GPS must remain united if Sarawak wants to continue protecting its rights, strengthening its economy and ensuring that the state’s voice carries weight at the national level.

The statement also sets the tone for the coming political period in Sarawak, where unity, MA63 rights, development policies and coalition discipline are expected to remain key themes as the state moves closer to its next election.