MIRI – Two civil society organisations in Sarawak have poured scorn on plans by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to have the coalition work with Perikatan Nasional (PN) in order to possibly form the federal government.
The Society for Rights of Indigenous People of Sarawak (SCRIPS) and the Dayak National Congress (DNC) have issued separate statements urging GPS to back Pakatan Harapan (PH) as the coalition that won the most seats in the general election.
SCRIPS secretary-general Michael Jok told The Vibes that his organisation is urgently making it known to Sarawak premier Abang Johari that the native communities cannot stay silent on the matter.
“We cannot sit back and allow GPS or (Abang) Johari to make a decision that will drag Sarawakians into the political, racial, and religious extremism advocated so openly by PAS and Bersatu (PN component parties).
“We want GPS and Johari to listen to us and act in a way that will protect the interests of the ordinary rakyat.
“Sarawakians will sooner or later feel the impact of racially and religiously extreme policies if the intended GPS-PAS-Bersatu pact leads to the formation of the federal government.”
He added that the people have given PH the mandate seeing as it won 82 seats, the most among other coalitions and parties.
“PH is more moderate too, so we ordinary Sarawakians feel PH must be given the chance to govern.”
The organisation has also sent out messages via social media platforms and ground contacts to urge Sarawakians to strongly reject the GPS-PAS-Bersatu alignment.
Meanwhile, DNC president Paul Raja said in a statement that GPS and Abang Johari must be honourable and respect the mandate of the majority.
“If GPS really treasures and respects racial and religious harmony as it professes, it is absolutely no-go to link up with PAS.”
The DNC also supports PH to form the next government.
The Vibes had reported some GPS members were unhappy with the alliance with 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. – The Vibes, November 23, 2022
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