Sarawak expected to reject cooperation with PH

Local political parties in Sarawak are anticipated to refuse any collaboration with Pakatan Harapan (PH) for the upcoming State Election (PRN). This stance is largely attributed to the deep-seated political rivalry between DAP, a key component of PH, and the local leadership in Sarawak.

Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Maslan, a member of UMNO's Supreme Council (MKT), highlighted that the political landscape in Sarawak differs significantly from states in Peninsular Malaysia, such as Johor and Negeri Sembilan. He explained that DAP's historical role as a primary political opponent to Sarawak's local leaders makes any potential alliance with PH highly improbable. "So how can they be together with PH?" he questioned during a press conference.

Ahmad further elaborated that the situation where Perikatan Nasional (PN) or other parties contest against PH at the state level arises from the absence of formal agreements at the state government level. This contrasts with the Unity Government Agreement, which is binding only at the federal level. He affirmed that Barisan Nasional (BN) would remain consistent in defending national political stability until the parliamentary term concludes, or as advised by the Prime Minister. "States do not have signed agreements. So don't be angry, we fight in the states but are friends at the federal level. We keep our promise to support the Federal Government until the end of the term," he stated.

Reflecting on BN's recent success in the Negeri Sembilan state election, Ahmad credited the effectiveness of the BN War Room's strategic planning. He recalled accurately predicting 45 seats for BN in Johor, where they secured 48, and forecasting 25 seats in Negeri Sembilan, a prediction that proved exact. "This is the result of the hard work of the BN machinery across the country, which camped in all 25 state constituencies," he added.