KUCHING, May 12: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says it is a rumour that state Barisan Nasional is joining Pakatan Harapan.
As such, he told both state Pakatan Rakyat (PH) chairman and state Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen and state Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chief Baru Bian not to be jittery.
“The case of Sarawak governing coalition parties joining PH are just rumours. Chong and Baru should not be jumpy and panicky.
“State BN will not want to spoil your winning euphoria. Enjoy it to the utmost. But remember, both of you are elected people’s representatives. Do what is best for those who elected you in.
“Its not for Chong and Baru to tell the people that PH should not cooperate with the state government as this will only reflect their immature political foresight and struggle in politics, which is for the nation and its people,” said Abdul Karim who is also Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister in a statement today.
He reminded both Chong and Baru that PBB has not been in any negotiation with PH whether at state or national level.
“PBB and its state coalition partners SUPP (Sarawak United Peoples’ Party), PRS (Parti Rakyat Sarawak), and PDP (Progressive Democratic Party) are the government of the day in Sarawak and state DAP/PKR which makes up state PH are the opposition.
“PBB is a well cultured party, having survived much turbulence and many obstacles in its 50 plus years and is able to withstand any new challenges.
“On the other hand, PBB respects the democratic rights of Malaysians especially in Peninsular Malaysia in wanting a change to the government of the day,” said Abdul Karim.
He said Malaysia being a parliamentary democracy, it was not uncommon to see the federal and state governments being parties opposing each other. This could be seen already before the 14th general election, where the states of Selangor, Penang and Kelantan are held by parties not governing the federal government.
“However, despite having differences, its perfectly normal for federal and state governments to have some level of cooperation in many fields. Both governments are voted in and mandated by the people and both governments must not lose sight of this responsibilty to the people.
“The rakyat who voted you in are also the same rakyat that voted in the state coalition government. They want responsible representatives, transparency, justice and equality and rule of law.
“This has always been the state government BN coalition partners’ agenda and if that is also the agenda of the federal PH, some level of cooperation can still be worked out.
“Chong and Baru must remember that their struggle and being in politics is not for personal agenda but for the state and nation,” said Abdul Karim. — DayakDaily
