By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Dec 18: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah today describes the formation of the Perikatan Nasional (PN) presidential council as “good” in order to prevent them from backstabbing each other.
He asserted that as long as they remained as a loose coalition as there was no agreement being signed for the new entity which is made up PN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Barisan Nasional (BN).
“There is no bonding of the parties, whereby they signed an agreement. Even the federal government is set up as a loose coalition of PN, BN and GPS.
“So, there is no agreement. Loose coalition is still okay. What is important is they can work together and not backstabbing each other,” Abdul Karim told a press conference after presenting awards to two local artists at the Sarawak Crafts Council Centre at the Kuching Waterfront here today.
Abdul Karim was asked to comment on the PN presidential council which was formed in Kuala Lumpur last night and chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also PN Chairman and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia president.
According to reports, other party leaders who attended the meeting include Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Pas president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.
Among those who represented their party leaders were PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) deputy president Arthur Joseph Kurup, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) deputy president Edward Dagul, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) senior vice-president Datuk Paul Igai, MIC secretary-general Datuk Asojan Muniyandy and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) secretary-general Senator Datuk Guan Dee Koh Hoi.
Meanwhile on the State election, Abdul Karim who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture said the 12th State election could be held any time next year even after the current tenure of the present State Legislative Assembly (DUN) ends on June 6, 2021.
He said under the Election Commission Act, the 12th State election must be held within 60 days after the expiry date of the DUN.
