By Lian Cheng and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 24: Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) apologies demonstrate that Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) has been right all along for practising clean politics, unlike DAP which “bantei sebarangan” (criticises without basis).
GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said he accepted DAP’s apologies with an open heart and grace with the only condition that DAP must respect Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP).
“They (DAP) apologised showing that they acknowledged their mistakes, while hoping for a new chapter to be opened. While they are doing so, they must respect our component party SUPP,” said Abang Johari during a press conference following a GPS supreme council meeting held at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here today.
This morning, DAP secretary general Anthony Loke paid a courtesy call on Abang Johari where Loke later issued a public apology, expressing regrets for any statements made by the party which had hurt and offended the people of Sarawak and GPS government.
This was followed by DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng who also did the same on his social media page.
Then, Istana Negara named Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the 10th prime minister of Malaysia where he will lead a unity government.
On the unity government, Abang Johari said GPS will abide by the King’s advice to bring about political unity.
“GPS will abide by the King’s order in accordance to His Majesty’s power enshrined under the Federal Constitution,” said Abang Johari.
When asked if GPS will be part of the unity government, Abang Johari did not answer directly.
“What happens now is that, the prime minister will be sworn in. Usually, the formation of the government is prerogative of the prime minister.
“Certainly the new government must take into account the King’s advice.”
On the deputy prime minister post which is rumoured to be allocated to Sarawak or Sabah, Abang Johari’s answer was noncommittal, only stating the fact that GPS has 23 MPs, the fourth largest bloc following the outcome of the 15th General Election.
Abang Johari said he had no idea whether PH will have enough seats without GPS’ participation to form the federal government. However, he was very clear that the King wants a very strong and stable government.
On collaborating with DAP in a unity government moving forward, he said it will depend on Anwar. — DayakDaily
