PETALING JAYA – Sarawak's GPS plays a major role in ensuring the country's political stability, said Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He also said actions by the Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led state government are highly praised by leaders and communities in Peninsular Malaysia.
"In the past, we were a small party and looked down upon. But today, thank God, we are the biggest contributor to the nation's political stability," he said as reported by Borneo Post.
Fadillah was speaking at the opening ceremony for the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) Special Convention Kuching Zone 2023 here, today.
The PBB senior vice-president stressed that the emergence of GPS started with Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg's decision to pull out from Barisan Nasional (BN) in 2018.
At that time, he said, BN performed badly in the general election and GPS opted to form a new coalition based on the interests of Sarawakians.
"It was a bold and important step by GPS to leave BN," he said.
Fadillah said GPS strongly emphasised the "Sarawak First" principle which was to prioritise the interests of the state.
"GPS has since introduced various initiatives to advance Sarawak, including in the fields of digital economy and infrastructure development.
"The party has also improved the socio-economy of the people in the state and was among the first states to take preventive actions in dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak," he said.
He said negotiations with Petronas had also led to the introduction of the Sawarak Sales Tax (SST) which contributes to the state income.
"Even Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had said that the federal government has to do something as it is far behind Sarawak in new technology and development planning.
"Abang Johari has since shared our experiences with the federal government. 'Nang hebat kita orang Sarawak' (We Sarawakians are great," he added. – The Vibes, September 23, 2023
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