KUCHING: The current political impasse in Perak will not affect Sarawak’s political landscape, said Universiti Malaya (UM) socio-political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.
Instead, it would only galvanise the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, he said.
“The issue of political crisis in Perak does not have an impact on Sarawak politics.
“This is because the political situation in Perak is not the same as the political situation in Sarawak.
“In Perak, the Perak State Assembly (DUN) consists of 24 Umno lawmakers, four PPBM, and three PAS in the ruling coalition while the opposition comprises 16 DAP assemblymen, five Amanah and three PKR representatives.
“Whereas in Sarawak, GPS dominates the Legislature. The relationship between component parties – PBB, PDP, PRS and SUPP, is very strong,” he told New Sarawak Tribune when asked if Perak political turmoil will have a bearing on Sarawak politics.
Awang Azman also reckoned GPS chairman Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has strong grassroots support.
“There are no issues in government administration led by GPS. The policies of GPS are accepted by the people of Sarawak.
“Compared to what happens in Perak, the former Perak MB is not popular due to the low price in selling the 15,000 hectares state-owned oil palm plantation to Singapore companies.
“The Perak state government reportedly sold the plantation for RM342 million while the actual value is around RM1 billion.
“This caused Umno to retract its support for the Perak MB who is from Bersatu,” he explained.
