Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong says Sarawak needs a stronger opposition to keep the GPS government in check. Speaking at DAP Sarawak's 60th anniversary fundraising dinner in Kuching, Yong said the opposition should question government decisions, scrutinise public spending and speak up when policies affect residents. She compared GPS to a football team acting as both player and referee, and said opposition lawmakers are needed to provide checks and balances in the State Legislative Assembly. Yong also questioned the use of a Switzerland-based VistaJet for official flights and raised concerns about the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project. She linked construction work around Pending to reports of low water pressure and murky water, while the claims remained part of her criticism of government decisions. This is a politician's or party's position, not an election result or an official finding. The useful follow-up is the relevant assembly record, election notice, project document or published spending information.

New Sarawak party Wawasan says it will contest the coming state election. Parti Wawasan Rakyat (Wawasan) president Affendi Jeman confirmed that the party plans to field candidates in the next Sarawak state election. Affendi also said he intends to contest the Pantai Damai constituency under the Wawasan banner. The party, formerly known as Parti Sedar Rakyat (Sedar), was officially registered with the Registrar of Societies on Aug 11, 2026. It says candidates will be assessed based on integrity, capability, grassroots support and commitment to their communities. Wawasan is also studying the wider electoral picture, including the proposed 17 additional state seats. No final commitment has been made because the boundaries and implementation are not settled yet. This is a politician's or party's position, not an election result or an official finding. The useful follow-up is the relevant assembly record, election notice, project document or published spending information. [image: 1787101532947-wawasan-affendi.jpg] Source: The Borneo Post

Abang Johari: Sarawak election can proceed with 82 seats if new ones not ready [image: 1786356655867-abang-johari-election-compressed.jpg] Sarawak's state election can proceed with the existing 82 seats if the planned addition of 17 new seats isn't ready in time, says Premier Abang Johari. Speaking after the Regency Specialist Hospital groundbreaking in Kuching today (Aug 10), he said the state will follow whatever is in place when the DUN is dissolved. "If it is 82, then 82. If it is 99, then 99. There is no problem," he told reporters. The DUN approved adding 17 new seats last July, bringing the total to 99. But with the election expected by end of this year or early 2027, time for the approval process is tight. "The time is very limited, what can we do? We just follow what is existing. The important thing is that people can vote," he said. Location: Kuching Details: 82 existing seats vs 99 with new seats | election expected late 2026 / early 2027 Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Saberkas retains Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah as president, Gerald Rentap Jabu as deputy for 2026-2029 term after unopposed re-election The Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) held its 18th Triennial General Assembly (TGM) in Sibu on Sunday, where the top two posts went uncontested. [image: 1786336441687-saberkas.jpg] Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah remains president, while Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu continues as deputy president. Daro assemblyman Dr Safiee Ahmad was also retained as secretary-general. The real contest was for the vice-president posts. Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan topped the votes with 220, followed by Sophie Shariee (171), Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus (135), and Pelawan assemblyman Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee (132). Other candidates included Abdul Adzim Adzmi Abdul Rahman (130), Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau (127), Serembu assemblyman Dato Miro Simuh (72), Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang (67), and Warziedea Ahmad (46). Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Saberkas 2026-2029 term leadership elected unopposed at TGM Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

A leaked Election Commission document has revealed plans to expand Sarawak's legislative assembly from 82 to 99 seats, with 17 new constituencies proposed across the state. The 14-page document, dated June 25 and signed by Sarawak State Election Director Abang Noraffian Abang Ibrahim, outlines the proposed seat additions as part of the Seventh Sarawak Redelineation Exercise. New seats in the Kuching area include Tabuan Jaya (under Bandar Kuching), Maong (under Stampin), and Samarindah (under Kota Samarahan). Other proposed new seats include Sungai Serin (Puncak Borneo), Tanah Mas (Lanang, Sibu), and Tudan (Miri). The proposal would bring the total number of State constituencies to 99, up from the current 82. The document also lists exhibition venues where the public can view the draft reports and gazette maps, including DBKU, MBKS, Padawan Municipal Council, and district offices across Sarawak. Location: Sarawak (Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Bintulu) Details: Leaked EC proposal for Seventh Redelineation Exercise — 17 new seats, 99 total Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Update, Aug 14: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof successfully underwent heart bypass surgery at the National Heart Institute and was reported to be in stable condition during recovery. [image: 1785729898539-fadillah_20260803.jpg] File photo: DayakDaily His office first announced on Aug 3 that the Petra Jaya MP would undergo the procedure on the advice of his specialist team. He was asked to rest fully and avoid visitors so treatment and recovery could proceed without disruption. A later statement said the surgery was performed at IJN on Aug 12 and was successful. Fadillah and his family thanked the medical team and the public for their support. Why this update is included The original version of this post only said surgery was planned. Leaving it unchanged would make an old medical update look current and incomplete. The latest confirmed public status available from the cited reports is that the procedure was successful and he was stable while recovering. No recovery timetable or confirmed date for returning to full duties was included in those statements. Personal medical details beyond what the family or his office releases should not be speculated about. Fadillah, 63, is Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, and Member of Parliament for Petra Jaya. Hospital: National Heart Institute (IJN), Kuala Lumpur 🩺 Latest cited status: Surgery successful; stable during recovery as of Aug 14 Sources: Initial Aug 3 statement · Aug 14 recovery update · IJN

Sarawak has not fixed its next state election date, with October, November or December still possible. [image: 1785634456338-abang-johari-betong-ukas-20260801.jpg] Photo: Ukas / The Borneo Post Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said no decision has been made yet on when the next Sarawak state election will be held. Speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Betong Zone Special Convention on Aug 1, he said the polls could be held in October, November or December, but nothing has been finalised. What we know now Abang Johari said PBB must be ready to defend all its state seats. PBB currently holds 47 of the 82 seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly. The 13th Sarawak State Election must be held before the current State Legislative Assembly term expires in February 2027. For voters, the main point is simple: no polling date yet, but the window is getting clearer. Location: Sarawak Details: Premier says no decision yet; October to December remains possible; current assembly term expires before February 2027. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?

Sarawakians are being reminded to check first before sharing political videos, images or claims online. [image: 1785060297537-pbb_ai_misinformation.jpg] Source: DayakDaily PBB secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said AI tools and social media have changed how fast false or edited content can spread. Speaking at the PBB Special Convention for the Central Zone in Sibu today, he said a clipped video, edited image or statement taken out of context can now reach many people within minutes. Why it matters Nanta said platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp can become powerful channels for misinformation when used irresponsibly, especially as Sarawak moves closer to its next State election. He urged people to verify information first and avoid becoming part of the chain that spreads false claims. His message PBB members, he said, should help defend facts and stop manipulated content from shaping public opinion through falsehoods. Location: Sibu, Sarawak Details: Warning on AI, social media and misinformation during PBB Central Zone convention Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Sabah and Sarawak may hold 57 parliamentary seats together, but one political analyst says that number is still not enough to shape federal lawmaking on its own. [image: 1785038785726-borneo_bloc_jayum.jpeg] Photo: The Borneo Post KUCHING, July 26: Political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Jayum Jawan has poured cold water on the idea that a proposed Borneo Bloc can strongly influence Parliament just by combining Sabah and Sarawak seats. He said the two states hold 57 out of 222 Dewan Rakyat seats, or about 26 per cent of the House. That is still far below the 125 seats held by Peninsular Malaysia. Why the number matters Jayum said Sabah and Sarawak are equal partners in the formation of Malaysia, but their current seat count cannot stop a law from passing if MPs from the peninsula vote together. His comments came after Borneo Dayak Forum International president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan proposed a Sabah-Sarawak parliamentary alliance to push for constitutional rights under MA63. Jeffrey said a united front would give both states a stronger voice, especially as Sarawak has made progress on oil and gas rights through political unity under GPS. Still a bigger conversation Jayum also acknowledged that the call for greater autonomy under MA63 has gained momentum because federal politics no longer revolves around one dominant party. So the debate is not over. But his point is simple: unity helps, numbers still matter. Source: The Borneo Post Hot Score: 27/30 What do you think?

A Sabah-Sarawak political alliance has been floated as a way to give both states a stronger voice in Parliament. [image: 1784714623317-kitingan-sabah-sarawak-alliance.jpg] Source: DayakDaily Borneo Dayak Forum International president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan said Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) could consider adding another “S” and working with Sabah leaders under a wider Borneo Bloc. He said Sabah and Sarawak together hold 57 parliamentary seats, which would give the two Borneo states more weight when pushing for constitutional rights, MA63 matters and fairer federal development funding. Kitingan, who is also Keningau MP, said Sarawak’s political unity has helped the state move further in areas like oil and gas rights. He said Sabah should learn from that and work closer with Sarawak. Location: Tasik Biru, Bau Details: Proposal raised during the Sarawak Independence Day Cultural Parade 2026 Vol. 2 on July 22. Source: https://dayakdaily.com/gps-has-succeeded-now-add-another-s-kitingan-proposes-sabah-sarawak-alliance/ What do you think?

[image: 1784369105039-sarawak-99-seats.jpeg] Sarawak's plan to raise its State Assembly from 82 to 99 elected seats is still waiting for federal approval. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the proposal has been stalled at Parliament level, one year after the Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Membership) Bill, 2025. He said the extra seats were meant to give Sarawak's many communities stronger representation in the State Assembly. What is pending The State Assembly passed the Bill on July 7, 2025. But the increase cannot take effect until the federal side gives approval. For now, the number remains 82 elected members. Abdul Karim said he believes the delay is linked to politics in Parliament, and suggested there may be concerns that more State seats could later lead to a push for more parliamentary seats for Sarawak. Location: Sarawak Details: Proposed DUS expansion from 82 to 99 seats remains pending federal approval Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

GPS says no candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak election yet — social media posts naming possible candidates are not official. KUCHING, July 6 — Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has come out to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided for the upcoming Sarawak State Election, following social media posts circulating names of purported candidates. GPS spokesman and PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the posts have caused confusion among party leadership and supporters. He stressed that the individuals named have not been endorsed by the coalition. "Recently, there have been a few postings on social media on personalities purportedly proposed as GPS candidates for the upcoming Sarawak State Elections. "In this regard, GPS wishes to clarify that no potential candidates have been decided by the coalition of Sarawak governing party," he said in a statement. However, GPS expressed appreciation for the public attention, viewing it as a sign of support. [image: 1783386121022-gps-logo.jpeg] Details: GPS clarifies no candidates decided for upcoming state election after unverified social media claims Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Court of Appeal unanimously dismisses Chong Chieng Jen's appeal over 2013 'RM11 billion black hole' remarks — damages bumped from RM150,000 to RM300,000. The three-judge panel also allowed the Sarawak government's cross-appeal, bringing the total payable in damages and costs to RM500,000. The case stems from a 2013 statement where Chong claimed RM11 billion from the Sarawak Treasury had "disappeared into a black hole." The High Court found him liable for defamation in 2022, ruling the remarks suggested lack of transparency in state financial management. Chong's lawyer Michael Kong had argued for a retrial, saying the original judge wrongly blocked a subpoena for former second finance minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh. But the appeal court rejected that argument. Breakdown of costs: RM300,000 in damages (doubled from RM150,000) RM50,000 for original costs RM100,000 for dismissed appeal costs RM50,000 for cross-appeal costs [image: 1783058785489-chong-bhole-appeal.jpg] Location: Court of Appeal, Putrajaya Details: Chong Chieng Jen (DAP Sarawak chairman / Stampin MP) v Sarawak Government & Sarawak Financial Authority Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has called for the immediate termination of the Sansols foreign worker platform, claiming a single private company has collected an estimated RM200 million annually from Sarawak employers. Speaking today, the DAP Sarawak chairman said the Sarawak government's Foreign Workers Transformation Approach (FWTA) via the Sansols platform has created unnecessary costs and red tape for businesses. Chong revealed that the Ministry of Human Resources confirmed Sansols was made compulsory by the Sarawak government in January 2025 for all foreign worker applications in the state. Other states in Malaysia do not require a similar system. "The modus operandi was kept very secretive until it was finally exposed by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong in the recent DUN Sitting in May that all payments go to one private company," he said. With an estimated 130,000 foreign workers in Sarawak, Chong calculated that at RM1,800 per worker, the company could have collected about RM200 million in a single year. Describing it as "an abuse of our immigration autonomy", he urged the state government to disclose the identity of the company operating Sansols and explain how it was selected. He called for Sansols to be abolished and the previous free-of-charge MSEN system to be reinstated. [image: 1782954437699-stampin-fwta.jpg] Location: Kuching, Sarawak Details: Sansols platform mandated for all foreign worker applications since Jan 2025; Chong claims RM200m/year flows to one secretive private company Source: The Borneo Post What do you think — should Sansols be scrapped?

PBB Youth has hit back at DAPSY Sarawak for allegedly editing out Premier Abang Johari from social media posts about the Bintulu Port handover. In a statement today, PBB Youth information chief Royston Valentine said DAPSY's visuals appeared to deliberately obscure the Premier's face from an official cheque handover image between the federal and state governments. He accused DAPSY of replacing or covering the Premier's image with photos of their own leaders, giving the false impression that Sarawak's leadership played no role in the port acquisition. [image: 1782453938630-pbb-youth-royston.jpg] Royston stressed that the Bintulu Port deal cost Sarawak RM1.8 billion — it was not a free transfer from the federal government as might be perceived. GPS leaders worked for years to secure the takeover. "In fact, they are acting as if they were the ones who championed Sarawak's rights under MA63, whereas all this time they remained silent while GPS leaders worked tirelessly to restore Sarawak's rights," he said. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could disrupt Sarawak's unity and harmony. Location: Kuching, Sarawak Key Facts: Bintulu Port acquisition cost RM1.8 billion, fully funded by Sarawak Royston Valentine is also the Tellian state assemblyman PBB Youth says DAP Sarawak has a track record of misleading the public through what they called "political manipulation" Source: DayakDaily What do you think?