Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg denies election-linked cash aid claims, saying assistance supports rakyat amid rising cost of living
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg has firmly rejected allegations that the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) administration is distributing “election candy” to grassroots voters ahead of the upcoming state polls.
The Premier clarified that the state government’s decision to disburse cash aid in phases from now until the end of the year to eligible households, senior citizens and single individuals is not timed to coincide with the impending elections.
“It is not true that GPS is giving money as election candies. We are providing assistance to eligible rakyat in Sarawak because the state government wants to help them through these difficult times,” Abang Johari stated during the closing of the GPS Convention at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night.
He attributed the current economic strain to the rising cost of living exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East.
“The timing of the GPS assistance and the upcoming state elections is not my doing. Did I ask Donald Trump to attack Iran? No. Did I cause the oil price to rise like this? No. We in GPS simply want to help the rakyat,” he added.
Last week, the state government announced a cost-of-living aid package involving: RM1,100 for eligible households, RM600 for eligible senior citizens and RM375 for eligible unmarried Sarawakians.
Confidence within the ruling coalition remains high, with some leaders predicting a total wipeout of the Opposition.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian reiterated his forecast that the Opposition would secure zero seats, handing them a “telur” (egg) result.
“Wipe the Opposition out of Sarawak. We, GPS, are going for total dominance,” Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president, quipped.
He predicted that Sarawak DAP would suffer a similar fate to its counterparts in the recent Sabah State Election, where the party faced significant losses.
However, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) President Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai maintained a more cautious tone, urging coalition members to remain vigilant.
“Even if a single GPS component party loses one seat, it constitutes a loss for the entire coalition. Components must support one another with absolute unity,” Sikie said.