Incumbent Cites Continued Duties as Signal of Candidacy
KUCHING: Asajaya incumbent Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah indicated he expects to remain among Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidates for the upcoming 13th Sarawak Election, citing the continued responsibilities entrusted to him by the party.
Abdul Karim stated that being given duties during the current caretaker government period suggests his services are still needed. He said he was speaking to reporters after a press conference on the Sarawak Esports Expo 2026 (SAREX26) at Bangunan Baitulmakmur II.
"Perhaps I will still be a candidate, because if not, there would certainly be indications that my services are no longer required. When we are still entrusted with responsibilities, including carrying out duties in the current caretaker government, it means that we are still needed," he said.
The Caretaker Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts acknowledged that political careers have cycles and stressed the importance of allowing new leaders time to develop their capabilities. He reiterated that he would accept whatever decision is made regarding his candidacy after serving for 25 years.
Abdul Karim noted that he has yet to receive any indication from party leadership on whether he will be retained or dropped as a candidate.
GPS Pledges to Contest All State Constituencies
Abdul Karim, who also serves as PBB’s information chief, reiterated that GPS remains committed to contesting all 82 State Legislative Assembly constituencies in the coming election. He stated that the coalition will not give up any seats.
He said GPS is ready to face any party challenging them and warned that opponents should be prepared to lose their deposits if they attempt to compete against the coalition's full slate.
Election Timeline and Voter Participation
The Election Commission (EC) will hold a meeting on November 6 to determine key dates for the 13th Sarawak Election, including polling day and early voting. Abdul Karim urged all eligible voters aged 18 and above to exercise their democratic right and participate in deciding the state’s next representatives and government.