Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, information chief of GPS’s Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, said holding both elections concurrently would save significant public funds, Borneo Post reported.

“I would love to see the state election held concurrently with the general election. We would save so much money.

“If the cost of holding a state election is almost RM1 billion, the cost of having another parliamentary election will be another billion,” he said, adding that he was informed the last Sarawak polls cost the Election Commission around RM600 million.

Karim, a state minister, said GPS was prepared for the state election to be held at any time, though it is only due by April next year at the latest.

He added that GPS would not take the support of Sarawakians for granted, despite currently holding 80 of the 82 seats in the state assembly.

“However strong you are, when the election or dissolution comes, you have to work hard and make sure the party machinery is on the ground.

“We have been on the ground, not campaigning, but making sure that we are fulfilling our responsibilities. When the people see the government of the day being responsible and building the state, God willing, they will give us the mandate.”

Karim disappointed with Parliament

Separately, Karim said he was disappointed that Parliament had yet to endorse the Sarawak assembly’s approved bill to increase the number of state seats from 82 to 99.

He said it felt as though the voice of Sarawakians was not being appreciated and recognised by Parliament when this merely involved state seats, not parliamentary constituencies.

“What needs to be done in Parliament is just an endorsement. If you do not endorse it, that means you do not respect the voice of the people of Sarawak.

“There are areas which are very big. When they are divided and there are additional elected representatives, the locals in those areas will be better served,” said the five-term Asajaya assemblyman.