By Chris Bishop & Peter Sibon
BETONG, Sept 26: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg is saddened by the current political uncertainty in the country.
He said this was the result of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s sudden resignation in February 2020, on his own accord after leading the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government for only 22 months.
“I’m very sad with the current political situation in Malaysia. This current political uncertainty is not our problem. It was caused by the prime minister who suddenly resigned. After he resigned there was no government.
“They are supposed to follow the promise of succession plan that after two years, he was supposed to pass the rein of power to (PKR president Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim). Then there was pressure (on Mahathir) because there were some who wanted Anwar and others who didn’t want him. That was the problem.
“(Prime Minister Tan Sri) Muhyiddin (Yassin)’s name was not in the list (of successors). But coincidently, there was a struggle and finally Muhyiddin won. So, we supported Muhyiddin. Not because of (GPS) personal choice. But the nation needs a stable government,” Abang Johari told PBB delegates at PBB Mini Convention in Betong today.
Abang Johari, who is chairman of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), disclosed that three days ago, the country was again rocked by another political upheaval after Anwar once again claimed that he has the majority seats in Parliament.
“And three days ago, there was news that we will have another prime minister. I was in Serian at that time. Then a reporter asked me what was GPS’s stance because there was speculation that GPS has supported the new prime minister.
“I myself was taken aback by such news. During that meeting, (SUPP president Datuk Seri) Dr Sim (Kui Hian) and (PRS president) Tan Sri Dr James (Jemut Masing) were present, so I asked them whether they have been contacted (by Anwar). They replied, “No”,” revealed Abang Johari.
The chief minister pointed out that what Sarawak has always preferred was for the country to remain peaceful and stable, especially in facing the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.
“We in Sarawak wants this country to be peaceful. That is out top priority. This is our struggle in PBB and GPS and not on personal inclination.
“In the last few days, Malaysia was facing another political turmoil. He (Anwar) wanted to be the prime minister. Never ending story. Whereas the people were still needing assistance. And we are facing Covid-19 pandemic and our country needs investment. The people must be assisted. Then studently he wanted to be the prime minister.
“As if Malaysia has nothing better to do. In the last few months this was what has been happening.
“Today I’m the prime minister, then the next moment, it was someone else.
“We are still facing Covid-19 pandemic and there were people dying. Then suddenly it was reported that “GPS supported me”. Since when GPS supported him?” he asked.
Abang Johari asserted that PBB’s struggle has always been focusing on how best to look serve Sarawak.
“We in GPS has principle. PBB has principle. PBB leaders have been appointed to look after the welfare of the people and not looking after our personal affairs. The people is more important than a friend.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said he would resigned if he is no longer able to discharge his duties well.
“If the chief minister is paloi (stupid), it will not be meaningful. (So), if I can’t discharge my responsibility I will go. Other people can take over. This is because the party is more important.
“When (former Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul) Taib (Mahmud) and (former Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Alfred) Jabu wanted (the late Pehin Sri) Adenan (Satem) to be the chief minister, I supported him 100 per cent. And we all supported him. When I succeed Adenan, I also received 100 per cent support of your support,” he added.
Abang Johari also assured Sarawakians that as long as he leads Sarawak, he will continue to be guided by his conscience.-DayakDaily
