Sarawakians have been warned that a non-native chief minister may be appointed if they back ‘outside' parties such as DAP and PKR in the coming state election.

Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) president Dr Sim Kui Hian drew this conclusion by pointing to the recent nomination of Sabah DAP treasurer Loh Ee Eng, who hails from Penang, as a state assemblyperson.

Many qualified Sabahans could have been chosen but were overlooked in favour of the outsider, Sim was quoted as saying by Malay Mail today.

Under the Sabah constitution, the governor can appoint six state assemblypersons on the advice of the chief minister.

Sim opined that backing 'outside' parties could further erode the state's independence and autonomy.

A state assembly "full of PKR and DAP people," he added, would leave Sarawak vulnerable to further exploitation.

“They can amend the state constitution and take more of our rights, like immigration autonomy, because they are now controlling the federal government."

SUPP left BN after the 14th general election to form Gabungan Parti Sarawak with a number of local parties.

It currently has one MP and seven state assemblypersons. 

Sarawak is scheduled to hold its next state election before Sept 7, 2021.