By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, March 4: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak has saved Malaysia from a week-long political impasse.
Abang Johari said he was at Sungai Asap (on Feb 29) when the other side were emitting “asap” (smoke).
“They (politicians in Kuala Lumpur) were waiting for Abang Johari, waiting for GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) where the nation was in chaos and we wanted to make it peaceful again,” said Abang Johari at the launch of Gagasan Ummah Gemilang held at Sarawak Islamic Complex today.
He said when the decision was made, the nation’s peace was the top priority and not politicians who fought for power.
“It was Sarawak which finally decided (on who should be the new prime minister). It was our decision because you have chosen me to be the chief minister.
“Our intention was only to save Malaysia. Sarawak has saved Malaysia which suffered a week of political chaos. Whatever others say, I do not care. I just want to save Malaysia and its people.
“Or they will continue to fight as there was an impasse where some left certain parties to be re-joined again, and left again and rejoined again. What was that?” questioned Abang Johari.
Abang Johari was referring to the week-long national political turmoil from Feb 24 to March 1, where former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad unexpectedly announced his resignation amid an attempt to form a “backdoor” government.
Following that, the cabinet ceased automatically resulting in a void of national government.
As the nation’s premiership was vacated, there was a series of political manoeuvres where top leaders of major parties in Malaya — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Democratic Action Party, United Malays National Organisation (Umno), Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (Pas) — were all trying to form a majority in Parliament to gain control of the government.
GPS which has 18 MPs was deemed the kingmaker. The decision made by GPS to support Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was seen as finally putting a stop to all the power wrangling. — DayakDaily
