SARIKEI, Jan 15: Eleven lawmakers showed up to support the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Flag Rally at Sarikei Civic Centre today.
The most interesting part about the gathering was that the elected representatives spoke in various languages, including Malay, Iban, Mandarin and Melanau.
Semop assemblyman Abdullah Saidol called on Sarawakians to continue defending the state’s unity and to avoid elements that might disunite the people.
He said GPS was the best platform to strengthen unity among Sarawakians because its four component parties believed that multiracialism is something that should be celebrated instead of being an issue that needed to be addressed.
Abdullah, who is also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office (Corporate Affairs), said currently, West Malaysians are increasingly divided due to the rise of certain political parties.
“So, the people of Sarawak must stay united and work together under GPS, which is a true local party,” he said at the rally.
Repok assemblyman Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii said the formation of GPS marked a new chapter in the history of Sarawak, which is now on a quest to reclaim its rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Kuala Rajang assemblyman Datu Len Talif Salleh, on the other hand, pointed out to those present that GPS was no longer part of Barisan Nasional (BN). GPS, he stressed, is led “100 per cent” by Sarawakians.
He reckoned that with GPS, it would now be easier for the state to chart its course, including fighting for and protecting its rights.
“This is because our voice will be clearer, and we can be more vocal when we are not tied to any party from Peninsular Malaysia,” said Len Talif. — DayakDaily
