DAP Sarawak will press ahead with preparations for the 13th state election without waiting for PKR to decide whether it will take part, as the party seeks to strengthen opposition representation in the State Legislative Assembly.
State DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the party had identified seven constituencies in Kuching and Bau to contest, while considering Batu Lintang as a possible eighth seat.
The seven constituencies are Padungan, Pending, Batu Kitang, Kota Sentosa, Batu Kawah, Tasik Biru and Opar.
Chong said there had been communication between DAP and PKR, but the latter had yet to reach a decision, which he said depended on its president, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Until now, it is not known whether PKR will contest in this state election. Everything depends on the decision of PMX.
“It is difficult for other component parties to wait for a decision before starting preparations because time is moving on. We have to move forward and prepare based on what is within our control,” he said.
Chong, who also chairs Sarawak Pakatan Harapan, said DAP would meet Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president to discuss possible cooperation ahead of the election.
He said the two parties shared common ground and faced the same political opponents, providing a basis for closer cooperation among opposition parties.
“It is still too early to say whether DAP and PBDS will work together, but we have many similarities and one common opponent.
“That provides a basis for cooperation, but how to formalise it requires further discussion. We will meet their president,” he said.
In a Facebook post following a state committee meeting on Sunday, Chong said DAP was considering Batu Lintang as an additional seat beyond the seven already identified.
“Our focus remains on bringing more people’s voices into the State Legislative Assembly and ensuring stronger checks and balances in the interests of the people of Sarawak,” he said.
At the 2021 12th Sarawak state election, DAP won only two of the 26 seats it contested, namely Padungan and Pending.
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which formed the state government, won 76 of the 82 seats, while Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) secured four.
The Election Commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Nov 6 to discuss key dates for the 13th Sarawak state election. - November 2, 2026
