2026 Sarawak state election

Next Sarawak general election
On or before February 2027
All 82 seats in the Legislative Assembly
42 seats needed for a majority
 
Leader Abang Johari Chong Chieng Jen Duke Janteng
Party PBB DAP WAWASAN
Alliance GPS PH PN
Leader since 13 January 2017 10 June 2013 10 July 2026
Leader's seat Gedong Padungan Contesting in Simunjan
Last election 76 seats 2 seats
Current seats 79 2 0
Seats needed Steady Increase 29 Increase 31
 
Leader John Brian Anthony Voon Lee Shan
Party PBDS PBK
Alliance Gagasan Sarawak Progresif
Leader since 18 September 2025 8 June 2019
Leader's seat Contesting in Kemena Contesting in Batu Lintang
Last election New New
Current seats 0 0
Seats needed Increase 31 Increase 31
Incumbent Premier

Abang Johari
GPS-PBB


The next Sarawak general election, formally the 13th Sarawak general election, will elect the 20th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly. It must be held on or before February 2027 at the latest, pursuant to clause 21(4) of the Constitution of Sarawak.[1] This date is dependent on when the 19th Legislative Assembly first sat, which was on 14 February 2022. A total of 99 seats will be up for election, provided that the Election Commission completes the redelineation exercise and parliament passes the motion before the assembly is dissolved.[2] Otherwise, the election will maintain the current 82-seat configuration. The current assembly may dissolve in the coming months, paving the way for an early election.[1][3]

Background

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state election originally scheduled for 2021 was postponed following the implementation of the emergency proclamation.[4][5] After the emergency was lifted, the state assembly was dissolved on 3 November 2021, with polling day being held on 18 December 2021.[6][7][8][9] In the election, Gabungan Parti Sarawak won 76 out of 82 state assembly seats and formed the state government for the new term under the leadership of Abang Johari.[10]

The new term of the state assembly began when members of the assembly were sworn in at the first sitting of the 19th Sarawak state assembly on 14 February 2022.[11][12] The date marked the beginning of the five-year term of the state assembly as provided for in the state constitution. During this term, the state government continued to implement the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, develop the green hydrogen sector, strengthen state-owned financial institutions and work related to the implementation and claim of Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.[13][14][15]

In the election, Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) contested in 70 of the 82 state assembly constituencies, the highest number of candidates among the opposition parties contesting. PSB won four seats, which saw it secure around 19% of the popular vote and became the largest opposition bloc in the assembly after the election. This overtook the federal-based opposition coalition that had previously had a larger representation in the assembly. PSB's position changed in August 2022 when Batu Lintang assemblyman, See Chee How, left the party and chose to run as an independent. The change reduced the number of PSB representatives in the Sarawak State Assembly to three seats. In 2024, PSB was officially dissolved after its dissolution application was approved by the Registrar of Societies in March 2024. In April of the same year, most of the former PSB leaders and members joined the Progressive Democratic Party, one of the component parties of Gabungan Parti Sarawak. This development led to a change in the political composition of the Sarawak State Assembly when several representatives who previously represented PSB joined the government bloc. After the changes, the opposition bloc in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly consists mainly of the Democratic Action Party as well as several independent representatives.

Entering the mid-term, the state government approved a proposal to increase the number of state assembly seats from 82 to 99 as part of the constituency redelineation process.[16] The proposal aims to take into account the changing population distribution and size of constituencies in several parts of Sarawak.[17] However, the implementation of the new delineation is dependent on the completion of the process by the election commission, including public exhibition, preparation of the final report and approval by parliament.[18][19] If the process is not completed before the dissolution of the assembly, the next state election is likely to be held using the existing configuration involving 82 seats.[20]

As the last year of the legislative term approaches, political parties have begun to intensify their preparations for the election by organising conventions, political tours and organising grassroots machinery.[21][22] During the same period, the implementation of automatic voter registration and the lowering of the voting age to 18 years (UNDI18) has increased the number of new voters in the state electoral roll.[23] This has prompted political parties including Gabungan Parti Sarawak components such as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Parti Rakyat Sarawak, Sarawak United People's Party and Progressive Democratic Party as well as opposition parties such as Democratic Action Party, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and several local parties to adjust their campaign approach by emphasising issues such as employment opportunities, higher education and economic development.

According to the state constitution, the maximum term of a state assembly is five years from the date of its first sitting. Therefore, the 19th Sarawak state legislative assembly will automatically dissolve on 14 February 2027 unless dissolved earlier by the governor on the advice of the premier.[24] By mid-2026, several statements by government leaders and political developments had sparked speculation that the dissolution of the state legislature might occur before the end of its term.[25][26] However, until then, no official announcement on the date of dissolution had been made and the determination of the date remained subject to constitutional prerogatives on the advice of the Premier of Sarawak.

Electoral system

Elections in Malaysia are held at both the federal and state levels. The federal elections elect members of the Dewan Rakyat (lower house of parliament), while the state elections for each of the 13 states elect members of their respective state legislative assemblies. As Malaysia follows the Westminster system of government, the head of government (the Prime Minister at the federal level and the Menteri Besar/Chief Minister/Premier at the state level) is the individual who commands the confidence of the majority of the members of the legislative assembly, who is usually the leader of the party or coalition with the majority of seats.

The Sarawak state legislature is currently represented by Members of the State Legislative Assembly who are elected for a five-year term. Under the latest composition amendment, the number of seats in the Sarawak state legislative assembly is planned to increase from 82 to 99 seats, subject to the timeline of the redelineation process by the Election Commission and the approval of Parliament. Each Member of the State Legislative Assembly is elected from a single constituency using a simple majority voting system (first-past-the-post). The party or coalition that obtains a majority of seats is entitled to form the state government. In the event of a hung parliament (no party obtains an absolute majority), the government can be formed through a new coalition or a confidence and supply agreement.

The voting age in Malaysia is 18 years. Through the full implementation of the Constitution (Amendment) Act 2019 which began on 15 December 2021, the automatic voter registration (AVR) system has been fully implemented. All citizens who have reached the age of 18 are registered as voters without having to apply manually. Elections are fully managed by the Election Commission of Malaysia. Malaysia does not practice a compulsory voting system.

Constituencies

Electoral map of Sarawak, showing all 82 constituencies

Composition before dissolution

GPS PH IND
79 2 1
47 12 11 8 2
PBB SUPP PRS PDP DAP IND

Timeline

The key dates are listed below:

Date Event
Dissolution of Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.
Issue the Writ of Election.
Nomination Day.
Campaigning Period.
Early Polling Days for Postal, Overseas and Advance Voters.
Polling Day.

Preparations

Political parties

In 2023, Zohari Openg, the Sarawak Premier and chairman of the governing coalition GPS, annound that the coalition will contest all 82 seats in the next election, then the total seats in Sarawak Assembly.[27]

Meanwhile, Democratic Action Party (DAP), has targeted up to 18 seats to contest in the next state election.[28] DAP has been the sole opposition party in Sarawak Assembly, after Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), the other opposition party, were dissolved and merged with Progressive Democratic Party, a component party of GPS in 2024.

PAS Sarawak has announced plans to contest at least eight state seats within the parliamentary constituencies of Betong, Batang Lupar, Bintulu, Sibuti, and Miri.[29].

Additionally, local Sarawak-based parties, such as Wawasan, have expressed their intention to participate in the upcoming election.[30].

Departing incumbents

The following members of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly did not seek re-election.

No. State Constituency Departing MLA Coalition (Party) Date confirmed First elected Reason
N15 Asajaya Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah GPS (PBB) 2 August 2026 2001 Not seeking re-election

Candidates

Candidate announcements are expected closer to nomination day.

No. Parliamentary
constituency		 No. State Constituency Number of Voters Incumbent Member Incumbent Coalition
(Party)		 Political coalitions and respective candidates and coalitions
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Pakatan Harapan (PH) Perikatan Nasional (PN) Gagasan Sarawak Progresif
(PBDS + ASPIRASI + PWR)		 Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) Others
Candidate name Party Candidate name Party Candidate name Party Candidate name Party Candidate name Party Candidate name Party Candidate name Party
P192 Mas Gading N01 Opar Billy Sujang GPS (SUPP) SUPP PKR PBDS
N02 Tasik Biru Henry Harry Jinep GPS (PDP) PDP DAP PBDS
P193 Santubong N03 Tanjong Datu Azizul Annuar Adenan GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
N04 Pantai Damai Abdul Rahman Junaidi GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH PWR
N05 Demak Laut Hazland Abang Hipni GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
P194 Petra Jaya N06 Tupong Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
N07 Samariang Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH PWR
N08 Satok Ibrahim Baki GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
P195 Bandar Kuching N09 Padungan Chong Chieng Jen PH (DAP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
N10 Pending Violet Yong Wui Wui PH (DAP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
N11 Batu Lintang See Chee How IND SUPP PKR PBDS
P196 Stampin N12 Kota Sentosa Wilfred Yap Yau Sin GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PBDS
N13 Batu Kitang Lo Khere Chiang GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PBDS
N14 Batu Kawah Sim Kui Hian GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PBDS
P197 Kota Samarahan N15 Asajaya Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
N16 Muara Tuang Idris Buang GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH PWR
N17 Stakan Hamzah Brahim GPS (PBB) PBB DAP PWR
P198 Puncak Borneo N18 Serembu Miro Simuh GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
N19 Mambong Jerip Susil GPS (PBB) PBB DAP PBDS
N20 Tarat Roland Sagah Wee Inn GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
P199 Serian N21 Tebedu Simon Sinang Bada GPS (PBB) PBB PKR ASPIRASI
N22 Kedup Martin Ben GPS (PBB) PBB DAP PBDS
N23 Bukit Semuja John Ilus GPS (PBB) PBB DAP ASPIRASI
P200 Batang Sadong N24 Sadong Jaya Aidel Lariwoo GPS (PBB) PBB PKR Not Contested
N25 Simunjan Awla Dris GPS (PBB) PBB PKR Duke Janteng WAWASAN
N26 Gedong Abang Johari GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH
P201 Batang Lupar N27 Sebuyau Julaihi Narawi GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH PAS
N28 Lingga Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PAS
N29 Beting Maro Razaili Gapor GPS (PBB) PBB PKR Mohammad Arifiriazul Paijo PAS
P202 Sri Aman N30 Balai Ringin Snowdan Lawan GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
N31 Bukit Begunan Mong Dagang GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
N32 Simanggang Francis Harden Hollis GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PBDS
P203 Lubok Antu N33 Engkilili Johnical Rayong Ngipa GPS (PDP) SUPP PKR PBDS
N34 Batang Ai Malcom Mussen Lamoh GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
P204 Betong N35 Saribas Ricky @ Mohamad Razi Sitam GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PAS PWR
N36 Layar Gerald Rentap Jabu GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
N37 Bukit Saban Douglas Uggah Embas GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
P205 Saratok N38 Kalaka Mohamad Duri GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
N39 Krian Friday Belik GPS (PDP) PDP PKR PBDS
N40 Kabong Mohd Chee Kadir GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH Not Contested
P206 Tanjong Manis N41 Kuala Rajang Len Talif Salleh GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH
N42 Semop Abdullah Saidol GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH
P207 Igan N43 Daro Safiee Ahmad GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH
N44 Jemoreng Juanda Jaya GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH
P208 Sarikei N45 Repok Huang Tiong Sii GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
N46 Meradong Ding Kuong Hiing GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
P209 Julau N47 Pakan William Mawan Ikom GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
N48 Meluan Rolland Duat Jubin GPS (PDP) PDP PKR PBDS
P210 Kanowit N49 Ngemah Anyi Jana GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
N50 Machan Allan Siden Gramong GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
P211 Lanang N51 Bukit Assek Chieng Jin Ek GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
N52 Dudong Tiong King Sing GPS (PDP) PDP DAP PBDS
P212 Sibu N53 Bawang Assan Wong Soon Koh GPS (PDP) PDP DAP ASPIRASI
N54 Pelawan Michael Tiang Ming Tee GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
N55 Nangka Annuar Rapaee GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
P213 Mukah N56 Dalat Fatimah Abdullah GPS (PBB) PBB AMANAH PWR
N57 Tellian Royston Valentine GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
N58 Balingian Abdul Yakub Arbi GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
P214 Selangau N59 Tamin Christopher Gira Sambang GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
N60 Kakus John Sikie Tayai GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
P215 Kapit N61 Pelagus Wilson Nyabong Ijang GPS (PRS) PRS DAP PBDS
N62 Katibas Lidam Assan GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
N63 Bukit Goram Jefferson Jamit Unyat GPS (PBB) PBB DAP PBDS
P216 Hulu Rajang N64 Baleh Nicholas Kudi Jantai Masing GPS (PRS) PRS DAP PBDS
N65 Belaga Liwan Lagang GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
N66 Murum Kennedy Chukpai Ugon GPS (PRS) PRS PKR PBDS
P217 Bintulu N67 Jepak Iskandar Turkee GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PAS Not Contested
N68 Tanjong Batu Johnny Pang Leong Ming GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PBDS
N69 Kemena Stephen Rundi Utom GPS (PBB) PBB DAP PBDS
N70 Samalaju Majang Renggi GPS (PRS) PRS DAP PBDS
P218 Sibuti N71 Bekenu Rosey Yunus GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PAS Not Contested
N72 Lambir Ripin Lamat GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PAS
P219 Miri N73 Piasau Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP ASPIRASI
N74 Pujut Adam Yii Siew Sang GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PAS PBDS
N75 Senadin Lee Kim Shin GPS (SUPP) SUPP DAP PBDS
P220 Baram N76 Marudi Penguang Manggil GPS (PDP) PDP PKR PBDS
N77 Telang Usan Dennis Ngau GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
N78 Mulu Gerawat Gala GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PBDS
P221 Limbang N79 Bukit Kota Abdul Rahman Ismail GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR
N80 Batu Danau Paulus Palu Gumbang GPS (PBB) PBB PKR ASPIRASI
P222 Lawas N81 Ba'kelalan Baru Bian GPS (PDP) PDP PKR PBDS
N82 Bukit Sari Awang Tengah Ali Hasan GPS (PBB) PBB PKR PWR

Opinion polls

No opinion polling has been published for this election.

Notes

References

  1. 1 2 "No decision yet on next Sarawak election date, says Abang Johari". The Borneo Post. 2026-08-01. Retrieved 2026-08-01.
  2. ↑ J, Bruno (7 July 2025). "Sarawak assembly passes bill to increase membership to 99 as DAP rep is ejected | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  3. ↑ "吁土保党提前备战 砂选举或10月11月举行 - 国内 - 即时国内". 星洲网 Sin Chew Daily Malaysia Latest News and Headlines (in Chinese (China)). 2026-08-01. Retrieved 2026-08-01.
  4. ↑ "Sarawak state election postponed - EC". Astro Awani International. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  5. ↑ "Emergency in Sarawak necessary to postpone state election: PMO". New Straits Times. 31 July 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  6. ↑ "Sarawak state election on 18 December". MalaysiaGazette. 24 November 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  7. ↑ "Lifting of Emergency: Sarawak state assembly automatically dissolved, say experts". Malay Mail. 3 November 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  8. ↑ "Sarawak State Assembly dissolved, making way for state election: Abang Johari". The Malaysian Reserve. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  9. ↑ "Sarawak state assembly dissolved: Chief Minister". The Straits Times. 5 November 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  10. ↑ "Three things we learned from: The 2021 Sarawak election". Malay Mail. 19 December 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  11. ↑ "79 Sarawak assemblymen sworn in Monday". Bernama. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  12. ↑ "Sarawak's state legislative assembly members sworn in today". Malay Mail. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  13. ↑ "Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030: Sarawak commits RM63 bln to double size of economy". DayakDaily. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  14. ↑ "Sarawak's Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030". Business Events Sarawak. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  15. ↑ "Sarawak scales up commercial green hydrogen production — Abang Johari". Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). 10 February 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  16. ↑ "Election Commission in final stages of Sarawak state seat redelineation, says Azalina". The Edge Malaysia. 23 June 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "10 FAQs on Sarawak Redelineation". Projek SAMA. 8 March 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  18. ↑ "Redelineation Process Key To Addition Of 17 DUN Seats". Unit Komunikasi Awam Sarawak (UKAS) (in Malay). 22 March 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  19. ↑ "From 82 to 99? Sarawak assembly approves 17 new state seats, but Election Commission has final say". Malay Mail. 23 March 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "Sarawak election for 82 seats if new seats not finalised, says Abang Jo". Free Malaysia Today. 5 July 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "GPS to contest all 82 seats in Sarawak polls, no negotiation with Bersatu on share of seats". The Sun Malaysia. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  22. ↑ "Sarawak election is an exam, go for an A, Abang Johari tells PBB". Free Malaysia Today. 26 July 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  23. ↑ "Dr Sim: Sarawak gains 675,077 new voters in 2021 as Undi18, automatic voter registration takes effect". DayakDaily. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "Premier keeps mum on Sarawak assembly dissolution amid rising poll speculation". Sarawak Tribune. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  25. ↑ "No decision yet on next Sarawak election date, says Abang Johari". The Borneo Post. 1 August 2026. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  26. ↑ "Holding Sarawak State Election earlier than 2027 not rule out". Sarawak Tribune. 16 August 2025. Retrieved 2 August 2026.
  27. ↑ The Borneo Post (2 September 2023). "Premier: GPS to contest in all 82 seats in 2027 state election". premier.sarawak.gov.my. Retrieved 10 December 2025.
  28. ↑ Reporters, F. M. T. (26 October 2025). "Sarawak DAP eyes up to 18 more seats at next state polls". Free Malaysia Today | FMT. Retrieved 15 December 2025.
  29. ↑ Laeng, Jenifer (18 July 2026). "PAS eyes at least eight seats in next Sarawak election". The Borneo Post.
  30. ↑ Edward, Churchill (19 August 2026). "Wawasan to contest Sarawak polls, says president".
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