By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 9: P196 Stampin incumbent Chong Chieng Jen has challenged Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to state their clear stand on their choice of allies to form the next federal government, instead of pulling down the Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) “GPS Menang Zahid Senang” election campaign banners.
Chong said after the banners were put up in public, the party has received the strongest objection from GPS candidates, including from component party Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), which has no business as the party is not even contesting in P195 Bandar Kuching and P196 Stampin.
“In any election, one of the key messages is to tell the people what will happen after the election. What is the party direction after the election?
“I believe many Sarawakians are worried also that GPS will be teaming up with Umno (United Malays National Organisation), especially the ‘court cluster’ to form the next government, thereby freeing those Umno leaders who are charged in court,” he told a press conference at the DAP headquarters here which was streamed live on their social media channels today.
DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang and P195 Bandar Kuching incumbent Dr Kelvin Yii were also present.
Chong, who is also Padungan assemblyman, emphasised that it is for the GPS leaders to make clear to the people of Sarawak before the polling day of the 15th General Election (GE15), if they have no intention of teaming up with Umno.
“Unless GPS leaders tell the people in no uncertain terms that they will not team up with Umno after GE15, the people of Sarawak will think they will be teaming up with Umno, given the GPS track record.
“Until today, Abang Jo, (Dato Sri Dr) Sim Kui Hian and all the GPS candidates are still being ambiguous on their stand about teaming up with Umno.
“So now, we give Abang Jo and GPS the benefit of doubt. I challenge them to come out with a statement to state their stand and not try to pull down our banner during this campaigning period,” he said, adding that the people have the right to information and knowledge, and to be informed about the tendency and possible moves of GPS after GE15.
Commenting on GPS’ manifesto, Chong said it is almost similar to their manifesto in the Sarawak election and those promises and initiatives spelt out can be implemented by the GPS State government which has been done in the past one year.
“Therefore, there is nothing new and it does not justify giving GPS a strong mandate.
“If after nearly 12 months since GPS’ big victory in the State election, and yet they still cannot implement these promises as contained in the GE15 manifesto, then they have failed,” he added. — DayakDaily
