Jayum Jawan of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) said that while the Sarawakian identity narrative is important in local politics, a track record in advocating state rights is still the factor that will tip the scale for voters.

“State-based parties are seen as defenders of Sarawakian rights given how passionate they are. National political parties from the peninsula are not seen that way,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

Jayum said that while parties such as DAP and PKR even have Sarawakians in leadership positions, the locals “have not been impressed”.

“DAP used to have some local support, but after the state elections in December last year, the sentiment has shifted in favour of Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP),” he said.

Nonetheless, he said, DAP was still a formidable force in major urban centres.

SUPP is a component of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), the coalition that now governs the state.

Senior fellow at the National Council of Professors Jeniri Amir said political ideology is also an important factor in winning the support of Sarawakians.

“Take PAS for instance. The party has tried to contest in Sarawak but its ideology is incompatible with the local culture and religious practices,” Jeniri said.

He said parties based in the peninsula should take that into account if they plan to spread their wings to Sarawak.