By Ling Hui
KUCHING, March 6: Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee demands Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen to apologise for accusing Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) of being an ‘opportunist’.
She wanted Chong to not only apologise to all Sarawakians, but also to GPS president Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg and the elected representatives of GPS.
“I am very upset with the statement by the YB from Stampin who hinted that GPS is an ‘opportunist’ and has failed to fight for the rights of Sarawak.
“Therefore I urge the YB from Stampin to apologise to the whole of Sarawak, the president of GPS, and all the YBs of GPS in this House.
“Our unity must be prioritised to defend the integrity of this unity government,” she said when debating in favour of the National Budget 2023 in the Parliament today.
Rodiyah said GPS has proven itself by successfully persuaded the federal government to increase the special grant for Sarawak under Article 112D of the Federal Constitution to at least RM300 million from the previous RM32 million.
Meanwhile, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli also had a message for Chong who is also Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chief.
Mohamad Shafizan said GPS and DAP which is under Pakatan Harapan (PH) are currently in the same boat helmed by Tambun MP-cum-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“All 23 MPs from GPS are paddling hard together with our other friends to make sure that this boat reaches its destination.
“So, don’t try to rock the boat, if not the boat may sink, leaving us all stranded on the beach.
“If the YB from Stampin is truly sincere in fighting for Sarawak rights, there is no need to politicise this budget,” he said.
Last Wednesday (March 1), Chong when debating the National Budget 2023 in Parliament, questioned why GPS leaders have been unusually “quiet” towards the budget allocation for Sarawak this year. — Dayakdaily
