Sarawak Regionalism: Not the Only Driving Force for Voters in GE15

COMMENTARY Sarawak regionalism – the privileging of the state’s rights to autonomy over other state issues – has been on the rise. [...] Distrust of the Peninsula and Federal Power Sarawak, along with Sabah, hold special rights within the Malaysian Federation as both were equal partners with Malaya at the formation of the nation. [...] The coalition had been losing votes, and Adenan pivoted to a populist strategy that sought to distance the coalition from BN at the federal level and brush off its corrupt image. [...] PH’s Survival in GE15 The same regionalist momentum that crushed PH in the 2021 state election appeared more subdued in GE15. [...] Uncertainties about the electoral outcome, and with BN appearing to have gained momentum in winning the Melaka and Johor state elections, may have revived anti-BN sentiments in Sarawak.