KUALA LUMPUR – It appears that not all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) members are happy with the alliance with Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form the federal government.
Highly placed sources told The Vibes that chief among the concerns was the inclusion of PAS and the anti-Christian narratives played up in the final hours of the election campaign.
“We were not consulted on this and it appears that Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg is making arbitrary decisions,” said one source.
Party members hope GPS chairman Abang Johari does not help push extreme Malaya parties into power in Putrajaya.
“We are having difficulty explaining to our members why we are tying up with PAS and Bersatu.
“Their politics are inconsistent with the values of the people in Sarawak,” said another.
On Sunday, Abang Johari was first to announce that GPS was entering a pact with PN, BN, and GRS in Sabah to form the federal government with Muhyiddin as prime minister.
Since then, within Sarawak, netizens on social media and ordinary folks in the community had expressed dismay over the decision.
“GPS has sold out Sarawak in its eagerness to be kingmaker,” said one of the many messages circulated on social media.
GPS won 22 parliamentary seats in the recent general election, which makes it the fourth biggest winner after PH, PN and BN.
GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu of which Abang Johari is president, Sarawak United Peoples Party with Dr Sim Kui Hian as president; Parti Rakyat Sarawak with Datuk Joseph Salang as president; and Progressive Democratic Party which is headed by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Sarawak PH information chief Abun Sui weighed in, saying GPS will make a mistake of disastrous proportions if it helps PAS and Bersatu form the federal government, as these two Malaya parties had capitalised on extreme propaganda in the GE15.
He said Abang Johari must not give in to pressure from PN leaders.
“It will be disastrous for GPS to head in that direction.
“Working with parties with extreme agendas and race and religion-based policies, and putting such parties into power in the national administration, will be a mistake GPS will regret.
“GPS is in a position to work with moderates in Pakatan Harapan.
“Join forces with PH to form the federal government together with Sabah partners who are also moderates,” said Sui. – The Vibes, November 21, 2022
