GPS has yet to name its potential candidates for 13th state election, Karim clarifies

KUCHING, July 6 2026:  Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) clarified today that it has yet to name its potential candidates for the upcoming 13^th state election.

Its spokesman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said GPS views the clarification as necessary to avoid confusion among party leadership and supporters as these so-called proposed candidates are not endorsed by the coalition.  

“However, GPS has expressed its appreciation to these postings which it considers as signs of support to GPS,” Karim, who is PBB information chief, said in a statement.

He noted that recently there have been a few postings in the social media on personalities purportedly proposed as GPS candidates for the upcoming Sarawak state election.

“In this regard, GPS wishes to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided by the coalition of Sarawak governing party,” he said.

“However, GPS has expressed its appreciation to these postings which it considers as signs of support to GPS,” he said.

It is for Abang Johari to decide on the final selection of candidates and allocation of seats, Wong tells Dr Sim

SIBU, July 6 2026: Senior State Legislative Member (SLM) Wong Soon Koh has criticised Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian for making remarks  relating to the distribution of electoral seats among the component parties of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Caption: Bawang Assan SLM Wong Soon Koh says the final decision on the selection of candidates and allocation of electoral seats is for Premier Abang Johari Openg to make

He expressed his disappointment and dissatisfaction with the remarks, describing them as not only unnecessary and disruptive, but also demonstrating lack of respect for the voters and GPS leadership.

“The final decision on the allocation of electoral seats and the selection of candidates, including the constituencies of Bawang Assan and Engkilili, rests solely with Premier and GPS chairnan Abang Johari Tun Openg,” Wong, who is also Bawang Assan SLM, said in a statement.

“As the leader of GPS, only the premier has the authority to make such decisions based on the overall interests of the coalition and the state.

“ Any component party leader who makes public declarations before the premier has made his decision is overstepping his authority,” Wong, who is also Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice president, said.

He stressed Dr Sim, as  a key member of the GPS leadership and a deputy premier, should understand better than anyone the spirit of consultation and consensus that has always guided GPS.

“He should set an example by fostering unity among all component parties, rather than making unilateral public statements on matters that have yet to be decided.

“Such immature actions only create unnecessary speculation, confusion, and anxiety among grassroots members and the public,” Wong, a former state minister, stressed.

He said at this crucial time, the priority for every GPS component party should be to remain united and focus on advancing Sarawak's development and improving the well-being of its people.

He urged Dr Sim to refrain from making unilateral political statements that undermine unity, instead should return to the principle of collective leadership within GPS and avoid allowing personal political considerations to jeopardize the coalition's stability.

“My team and I will continue to remain firmly rooted in Bawang Assan, listen to the voices of the people, and serve the constituency with unwavering dedication, just as we always have,” he said.

At a recent event in Sibu, Dr Sim was reported to have hinted SUPP Youth chief Kevin Lau Kor Jie   would be nominated to contest in Bawang Assan and that SUPP would be fielding candidate to contest in Engkilili.

Elderly woman killed in a road accident in Miri

MIRI, July 6 2026: An elderly woman was killed while the driver was injured when their car collided with another car at Jalan Mosjaya this morning.

Caption: The passenger of this car was killed in the road accident

The driver of another, however, was slightly injured in the accident.

Miri Central Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), in a statement, said it received an emergency call at 6.52am, seeking its assistance.

It said when the firemen arrived at the scene, they found that the elderly woman was still trapped in the car while its driver has already gotten out of the car.

The firemen later extracted the body of the woman who was confirmed dead by the paramedics fronthe Ministry of Health (MoH).

The remains of the woman were later handed over to the police for further action.

It said the driver of the other car managed to get out and was injured.

The two drivers were later sent to the Miri Hospital.

Submit comprehensive allocation applications for project evaluation and approval, JKKKs, clubs reminded

SIBURAN, July 6 2026: All Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs), clubs and associations are reminded to submit comprehensive and well-planned allocation applications to facilitate the project evaluation and approval process.

Caption: Roland Sagah Wee Inn speaking at the handing over of cheques to JKKKs. clubs and associations yesterday

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn said applicants should not split a project into several separate applications as this practice can affect coordination and make it difficult to consider allocations, especially for projects involving public facilities and places of worship.

"If it involves a project such as the construction or upgrading of a community hall or place of worship, submit all the requirements together with a complete and reasonable cost estimate so that it is easier to consider," he said when speaking at the special project cheque presentation ceremony for the Tarat Sarawak Legislative Assembly (SLA) constituency at the Tarat SLA service centre yesterday.

During the ceremony, a total of RM1,785,872 was distributed to 133 recipients consisting of JKKKs, clubs and associations including government and non-government bodies to implement various projects and community development activities in the Tarat SLA constituency.

He also explained that applications involving educational institutions and places of worship should be submitted through relevant channels and agencies to ensure that the aid distribution process can be implemented more systematically and effectively.

At the same time, he reminded all recipients to use the allocation received according to the approved purpose and submit an expenditure report at the end of the year as a record of the use of funds.

He said that every fund distributed must be optimally utilized to implement programs and projects that benefit the community, in addition to ensuring that financial management is carried out transparently, with integrity and accountability.

Present at the function were a Political Secretary to the Premier Damen Rejek, a representative of the Siburan District Office George Harison, a representative of the Tebedu District Office Muhd Faiz Rusydi and a representative of the Serian District Office Stella Eve Bliten.