No absolute guarantee GPS will win big in state election — Don

It is true that GPS can win big if they move as a team.

So, the team must have discipline, high loyalty, hard work and selflessness. In addition, there is definitely the formula and strategy to win as a team.

Assoc Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi

KUCHING: While Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has the potential of winning big in the coming state election, there is still no absolute guarantee come Dec 18, said University of Malaya socio-political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi.

“It is true that GPS can win big if they move as a team. So, the team must have discipline, high loyalty, hard work and selflessness.

“In addition, there is definitely the formula and strategy to win as a team. All the formulas and strategies are mobilised together with the spirit of togetherness,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post on Monday.

He was asked to comment on Chief Minister and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s statement that the coalition could win all 82 seats.

“If we go to the battlefield with one spirit, we can win all 82 seats,” Abang Johari was quoted as saying when launching the GPS election machinery on Sunday night.

Awang Azman said it was too early to tell whether GPS could better the 72 seats won in the 2016 state polls as campaigning has yet to begin.

He also said GPS needs to make sure their supporters go down to vote en masse and not get caught up in the confidence that GPS will definitely win.

“However if GPS is careless and complacent then this would result in many GPS supporters being in their comfort zone. They may become less motivated to go vote on polling day. More so when there is risk of Covid-19,” he added.

He said GPS must also ensure there are no internal divisions that could lead to protest, sabotage, frustration and anger at the grassroots level.

“This will lead to an unhealthy culture of politics that can result in reduced number of votes (for GPS).”

As for the Opposition, Awang Azman believed they will play on the sentiment that there is need to have a check and balance in the State Legislative Assembly to garner votes.