By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 16: Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen has acknowledged that the chances of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) working together with Pakatan Harapan (PH) to form the next federal government are next to nil.
Chong, who is also the P196 Stampin incumbent, stated that he does not expect GPS to join PH to form a federal government, calling it “impossible”, since Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and caretaker Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yaakob have openly announced that they would cooperate with each other to form the federal government after the elections.
“Historically, GPS and BN (Barisan Nasional) had been partners for all the past decades since the formation of BN in 1973.
“In March 2020 after the Sheraton Move and in August 2021 after Muhyiddin (Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) stepped down, GPS again showed its loyalty to Umno (United Malays National Organisation) by joining BN and Bersatu (Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia) and PAS (Parti Islam Se-Malaysia) to form the government,” he added, during a press conference at a local food court here today.
Chong also urged Sarawakian voters not to give Umno a lifeline in the 15th General Election (GE15)
“The question that every Sarawak voter must ask before they vote on Nov 19 is whether we want Umno back in power. Remember, a vote for GPS is a vote for Umno,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang who was also at the press conference said, “If PH wins GE15 and Anwar Ibrahim (PH chairman Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim) becomes the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, I will set up a special office to promote the restoration of the rights of Sabah and Sarawak in accordance with Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).” — DayakDaily
