No urgency for premier to call for state election prematurely, says PBK president

By CW Claire 

KUCHING, May 21 2026: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan  believed that there is no urgency for Premier Abang Johari Openg to dissolve the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) prematurely as the current term can continue until around April next year. 

Caption: PBK president Voon Lee Shan says a strong mandate in the next state election would further strengthen GPS midway through its new term 

He said political situation remains stable under Gagungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

He believed that the coming 13th Sarawak state election is widely expected to reaffirm GPS’s position in government.

“A strong mandate in the next state election would further strengthen GPS midway through its new term,” he said in a statement.

“Should the premier decide to retire in the future, he would leave behind a stable administration and a stronger political legacy for both GPS and the people of Sarawak.

“Political stability and strong governance are essential to attracting foreign investment and ensuring continued economic growth and investor confidence in both Sarawak and Malaysia,” he emphasised.

At GPS Back-Benchers" Club gathering last night, Abang Johari had hinted that the state election might be "getting closer",

However, he did not give the exact date or whether it would be held before the end of this year.

Political analysts believed that there is a possibility that the state election could be held before the end of this year, or at the same time with the general election which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim might call this year due to internal crisis in the unity government.

PBB is due to hold its three regional conventions within the next few months, indicating that the state electrion is nearer.

Meanwhile, Voon is of the opinion that federal political stability should remain the priority at this moment, as the unity government is facing various internal and external challenges, including coalition pressures, economic concerns, and security-related issues.

He said calling for a general election now would carry significant risks, as there is no guarantee the present federal government would retain power and continue governing effectively.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should instead utilise the remaining term to repair political weaknesses, strengthen confidence within the coalition, and address issues affecting the people and the economy,” he said.

He stressed that the current parliamentary term still has several years remaining before its expected expiry in 2028, and there is sufficient time to restore political stability and public confidence.

“In any elections, there is no guarantee that the government of the day could retain its position to continue as government, especially, when there are many unresolved issues affecting the economy and security of the country,” he questioned.