By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 25: Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has called for reconciliation with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in rebuilding the nation together, acknowledging that the ruling coalition’s participation is needed to form a unity government.
The Padungan assemblyman said the Pakatan Harapan (PH)-led unity government cannot be a truly unity government without the participation of GPS, the coalition governing Sarawak and having the largest number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from Sarawak.
“It is thus my sincere hope that the GPS will be part of the federal government. It is now time to heal, reconcile, find commonalities and rebuild our beloved nation.
“Lets put aside our differences and come together to rebuild our nation and for the betterment of our people,” he said when debating on the Sarawak Budget 2023 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
DAP is one of the component parties in PH alongside Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (UPKO).
At a press conference after the debate, Chong clarified a reporter’s query that the future collaboration he spoke of applies only on the formation of the federal unity government.
“On the state level, it (future collaboration between DAP Sarawak and GPS) is up to the ruling party (GPS). Let the invitation (from GPS) comes first,” he added.
The federal unity government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is made up of four main coalitions comprising Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN), GPS and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
It is also joined by other parties such as Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) and independent MPs.
Chong’s acknowledgment comes after two apologies from the national DAP leadership represented by its secretary-general Anthony Loke and chairman Lim Guan Eng. — DayakDaily
