KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg considers himself to be 'contesting' all 82 State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats in the 13th Sarawak State Election (PRN13) in his capacity as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Chairman.
He said GPS' decision to field candidates in all 82 seats reflects the leadership responsibility he shares with every candidate representing the coalition in the upcoming election.
"As GPS Chairman, I’m contesting all 82 seats," he briefly told reporters after attending the Sarawak State Leadership and Empowerment Convention for Form Six Students 2026 here on Tuesday.
His comments came when he was asked about the possibility of contesting the Demak Laut seat, which also encompasses Tanjung Embang, the proposed site for a deep-sea port and a new international airport.
Strategic developments planned for Tanjung Embang also include artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen Sarawak's economic growth and future development.
In this context, the Premier's remarks about all 82 state seats referred to his role as GPS Chairman in leading the coalition, rather than confirming which seat he would personally contest.
Previously, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari announced the dissolution of the 19th Sarawak DUN on 23 October following the consent of Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, with the dissolution taking effect on 26 October 2026.
Subsequently, the Election Commission (EC) announced on 6 November that nomination day for PRN13 would be held on 28 November 2026, followed by early voting on 8 December and polling day on 12 December. -UKASnews
