Join Perikatan to escape heartache, Bersatu veep tells GPS

KUALA LUMPUR – A Bersatu lawmaker today used the grand hall of the Dewan Rakyat to make overtures to his Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) peers, asking them to abandon the unity government and join Perikatan Nasional (PN).  

During his debate on Budget 2023, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (Beluran-PN) began his speech by urging the Borneo MPs to jump if they wish to escape the heartaches caused by being in the current unity government.  

This is in reference to a recent budget debate delivered by DAP lawmaker Chong Chieng Jen (Stampin-PH) where he appeared to make jibes at GPS for supposedly being opportunistic when deciding to support Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister.  

Several Sarawak MPs have since expressed their disappointment and reprimanded Chong for going overboard in his remarks, including Edwin Anak Banta (Selangau-GPS), Datuk Seri Richard Riot Jaem (Serian-GPS), and Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodi (Sri Aman-GPS).  

Addressing the House today, Ronald highlighted how there are already cracks in the unity government within just its first 100 days in federal power.  

“They call themselves the unity government, but there are already seeds of cracks. After all, not everything is a bed of roses there," he said.  

“I would just like to advise GPS MPs, if you are dissatisfied and unhappy sitting over there, there are many, many seats on this bloc.  

“We, over here, can sit and sleep together on one pillow and dream together. Here, there are no heartaches, and you don’t need to use your 10 minutes of debate to take a dig at one another. Things are different in this bloc.  

“What this means is this government's marriage of convenience can lead to various conflicts, causing MPs there to feel hurt and get a heart attack. Join us here.”

Last week, when taking part in the Budget 2023 debate here, Chong made several remarks aimed at his GPS counterparts.  

Among other things, he accused GPS of rushing to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s (Pagoh-PN) as prime minister following the 15th general election, and later decided to back Anwar after the Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman managed to secure majority support.   

Previously, prior to the polls, GPS and DAP had been on bad terms, with the former accusing the PH component of, among other things, making ill remarks against them.  

After the election, both DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook and party chairman Lim Guan Eng issued an open apology to the Borneo coalition, in what appears to be an olive branch ahead of the formation of the unity government. – The Vibes, March 6, 2023