KUCHING: The 13th Sarawak election on Dec 12 will see voters aged 18 and above casting their ballots for the first time, making young voters a key factor in determining the election outcome.
Sarawak Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the growing number of new voters required all political parties to play an active role in encouraging them to turn out to vote.
He estimated that about 40 per cent of voters in the election would be first-time voters, giving them considerable influence over the state’s political landscape.
He said young voters should not be underestimated but given the space to assess candidates and political parties based on their capabilities and contributions to the people.
“It is our responsibility to educate eligible young voters to think critically and make their own assessments of what is good and what is not before choosing their representatives.
“We do not want their thinking to be poisoned by extreme sentiments, including being incited not to vote for someone simply because of differences in race or religion,” he told a press conference at his office today, following the Election Commission’s announcement of key dates for the state election.
On GPS’s candidate preparations, Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, said all prospective candidates would undergo screening, including checks on their health, bankruptcy status and criminal records, to ensure they met the eligibility requirements.
He said candidates with chronic illnesses that could affect their ability to discharge their duties as elected representatives should also consider whether they were fit to contest.
“If a candidate already needs a walking stick or wheelchair, perhaps they should reconsider, as winning would mean having to serve their constituency for five years.
“However, the final decision rests with Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg, who will assess all aspects, including health, background, academic qualifications and social standing,” he said.
On the key issues likely to dominate the election, Abdul Karim said he did not expect major controversies similar to those in previous polls, which largely centred on Native Customary Rights claims and land disputes.
Instead, he said voters were increasingly focused on broader issues, including the management of the state’s resources, infrastructure development and efforts to improve Sarawak’s economy.
He said the GPS administration’s achievements since Abang Johari took over as premier in 2017, including the takeover of Bintulu Port, the establishment of the Sarawak Sovereign Wealth Fund and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd, as well as the construction of the Coastal Road and 22 bridges, were among the government’s track records for voters to assess.
“Various welfare initiatives, including assistance for women who give birth and free higher education, also demonstrate the state government’s commitment to improving the people’s well-being,” he said.
In another development, Abdul Karim cautioned all parties against misusing artificial intelligence (AI) to produce fake content, defame or discredit rival candidates during the election campaign.
On the possibility of GPS facing competition from DAP and PKR, he said all parties had the right to contest as long as they met the stipulated requirements.
However, they should consider how political rivalry at state level could affect cooperation in forming the federal government after the next general election.
“An election is not just about the state. We will subsequently face a parliamentary election, after which we may need to work together to ensure stability in the federal government,” he said.