GPS candidates will be a mixture of experienced and fresh faces, says Abang Johari

KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Abang Johari Openg said that there will be a mixture of experienced and fresh faces on its candidate list for the 19th Sarawak state election.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg says that GPS supreme council to decide and finalise names of candidates

He said there will be some incumbents State Legislative Assembly Members (SLMs) who want to step aside to give way to fresh faces to take over as candidates.

He declined to disclose the names of the incumbents who have offered to step aside in the state election.

"However, the GPS supreme council will meet to decide and finalise the names of the candidates," he told reporters after announcing the dissolution of the 18th Sarawak State Legislatibe Assembly (SLA).

Abang Johari, who is also the premier,  assured that he will defend his Gedong seat in the election.

The Sarawak State Assembly will be dissolved on Oct 26.

Premier says after five years it is appropriate that GPS government seeks a fresh mandate from the people

KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg said the State Legislative Assembly (SLA) approaches the completion of its five-year term, it is only appropriate that a new mandate from the people is obtained. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg
says Sarawak under the GPS government has accomplished various achievements which I have mentioned in my winding up speech in the recently concluded SLA sitting. 

He said inn line with the parliamentary democratic practices and to ensure the right of the people of Sarawak to democratically elect their government is protected, the people of Sarawak must have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to choose and elect a new Government with a fresh mandate to continue the development agenda of Sarawak.

"Since receiving the mandate of the people of Sarawak during the election on Dec 18. 2021, my government had worked to advance Sarawak's development, strengthen its economy, improve infrastructure and public services, and safeguard Sarawak's rights and interests in accordance with the Federal Constitution and Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)," he told a packed press conference.

"Indeed, Sarawak under the GPS government has accomplished various achievements which I have mentioned in my winding up speech in the recently concluded SLA sitting. 

"Such achievements are the manifestation of the GPS government 's efforts in improving the well-being of our people for a better future of Sarawak," he said.

 He expressed his gratitude to the people of Sarawak for their trust and support throughout this term. 

"I also express my appreciation to the members of the SLA and the public service for their dedication and service to the people of Sarawak.

"Finally, I call upon all parties, especially political parties, candidates, and supporters, to consistently respect the law and conduct themselves with a strong sense of responsibility throughout the upcoming election period. 

"Let us work together to safeguard the peace, unity, and harmony of Sarawak—which we cherish so deeply—thereby enabling the people to make their choices freely and with full confidence for the sake of our beloved Sarawak’s future," he said.

Breaking News: Sarawak State Legislative Assembly to be dissolved on Oct 26

 
KUCHING, Oct 23 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg today announced the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly (SLA), effective Oct 26.

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg giving a press conference, flanked by his two deputies Douglas Uggah (left) and Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

In a packed press conference, he said Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has given his consent to the dissolution during an audience at Astana Negeri earlier.

The premier said Speaker Mohd Asfia Awang Nasar will inform the Election Commission (EC) of the dissolution of SLA.

"After which the EC will make the necessary arrangement such as setting the nomination date and polling datThe Election Commission will be formally notified of the dissolution to enable the necessary arrangements to be made. The dates for nomination and the polling date will be determined and announced by the commission," he said.

"Therefore, in accordance with Article 21(4) of the Constitution, the State election must be held within 60  days from the date of the dissolution, and the new SLA shall be summoned to meet on a date
not later than 120 days of that date.

He said after the dissolution, the state government will discharge its responsibilities in caretaker capacity, observing the applicable constitutional requirements and conventions. 

"Public administration and essential services will continue to ensure that the needs and welfare of the people remain attended to," he said.

The last state election was held on December 18. 2021.

State government must clarify how many NCR land titles have been issued under Section 18 of the land code, how many still outstanding, says Senator Abun Sui

MIRI, Oct 23 2026: Senator Abun Sui Anyit has urged the Sarawak government and the Land and Survey Department to clarify the actual number of land titles issued under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code, the number of outstanding applications, the true cost of the surveying programme and the timeline for resolution for eligible holders of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.

Caption: Senator Abun Sui Anyit asks after nearly 16 years after the implementation of the NCR Land Survey Programme, many Dayak customary landowners still lack individual land surveys and titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code 

He said the state government should not simply announce the total areas of ​​land that have been surveyed, but also to disclose how many individuals have received their land titles and how many are still waiting.

"The Dayak customary land rights must be translated into certainty of ownership, legal protection, and genuine economic opportunities," Abun said when responding to the concern expressed by Kapit Member of Parliament  Alexander Nanta Linggi on the difficulties faced by Dayak smallholders in meeting land documentation requirements and gaining access to the palm oil market.

According to Dayak Oil Palm Planters Association (DOPPA), there are approximately 58,000 independent oil palm smallholders in Sarawak risk losing market access if they fail to comply with the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), particularly those cultivating Native Customary Rights (NCR) land without formal land documentation.

Abun Sui, who is also an NCR land rights lawyer, questioned after nearly 16 years after the implementation of the NCR Land Survey Programme, many Dayak customary landowners still lack individual land surveys and titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code? Who should be held accountable.

He said according to a statement by  Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, as of September 30, 2026, a total of 1.249 million hectares of NCR land had undergone perimeter surveying, while 112,711 individual lots had been surveyed for the purpose of issuing Section 18 land titles.

He noted the Sarawak government has allocated RM40 million while the Federal Government has approved RM15 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with RM2 million to be disbursed in 2026. 

"However, these survey figures do not address the core issue as to how many lots have actually received their land titles, how many applications remain pending, and why are eligible landowners still left waiting?" he asked.

He said he has repeatedly emphasised that the Sarawak government must expedite the issuance of Section 18 land titles for NCR land where rights have been established and legal requirements met without delaying the process through unnecessary procedures. 

"If the absence of land documentation hinders Dayak smallholders from meeting market demands, then this issue is not merely a problem for the smallholders themselves; it also concerns the effectiveness of land administration and the implementation of government policy," Abun Sui said.

State JKR views with great concern the theft of cables in the vicinity of the newly completed Sejingkat Bridge

KUCHING, Oct 23, 2026 – The state Public Works Department views with great concern the theft of cables reported in the vicinity of the newly completed Sejingkat Bridge which has resulted in damage to electrical system components and public infrastructure facilities.

It said this irresponsible act not only causes damage to government assets but also has the potential to compromise the functionality of electrical systems, the safety of road users, and the smooth operation of the infrastructure facilities in question.

It strongly condemns any form of theft, vandalism, or acts that damage public facilities.

"Such actions result in losses to the government incurring costs for repairs and the replacement of damaged components and hinder efforts to provide safe, high-quality infrastructure for the public," JKR said in a statement.

The department urges the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities, particularly concerning cables, electrical equipment, or public facilities in the area around the bridge.

It also advised public is also advised not to approach, touch, or handle any exposed or damaged cables and electrical equipment, as doing so poses significant safety risks.

The department said it remains committed to monitoring the safety and condition of the infrastructure under its purview and will collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate action is taken.

It emphasizes that public facilities are shared assets that must be safeguarded for the benefit and well-being of the entire community.