KUALA LUMPUR – Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will back a stable and strong unity government so that it can focus its energies on improving the country’s prestige on the international stage, said GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
Abang Johari said Malaysia needs to be in a competitive position with neighbouring countries, notably Indonesia, which is developing its new capital of Nusantara in Kalimantan.
The Sarawak premier said the unity government needs to focus on inter-regional development, especially for states bordering neighbouring countries.
“The position of the (federal) government must envision the future of our country, which faces many challenges and competes with our neighbours. As we see our neighbours developing, Malaysia also needs to do the same.
“For example, in Kalimantan where Nusantara will be developed, it is not as though Sarawak (being a part of Malaysia) will only remain a spectator. We thank the prime minister for giving large allocations for development in Sarawak,” Abang Johari said in a speech by party leaders at the 2023 National Unity Government Convention at Dewan Merdeka, World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur here today.
The convention, held for the first time, brings together five coalitions of political parties comprising 19 parties that support the ruling federal government.
Abang Johari said the unity government also needs to reform the national economy based on a new and more sustainable economic direction that rests on renewable energy and using the capabilities of its people.
Meanwhile, he assured that he will continue to administer the region in helping to channel all efforts to develop Malaysia.
“GPS will continue to work with the Malaysian unity government to jointly develop this beloved country,” he said. – Bernama, May 14, 2023
