By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 2: Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has questioned whether Peninsular Malaysia-based political coalitions would risk forming a federal government without cooperation from Sabah and Sarawak, following Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng Wei Shien’s prediction that a Barisan Nasional (BN)-Perikatan Nasional (PN) formula could reduce the kingmaker role of East Malaysian parties.
Abdul Karim, who is the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information chief, said political circumstances could change and Sabah and Sarawak’s role in national politics could not be discounted.
“It is for Datuk Larry Sng to come up with his personal comment. Things change. Politics is something where we cannot say that Sarawak and Sabah do not play a role in the politics of the country,” he said when met by reporters after attending the IIUM Alumni Ummatic Gathering in Sarawak today.
Sng, who is Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) president, had recently said based on the outcomes of state elections in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, a BN-PN cooperation could potentially form the next federal government, with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) no longer holding the same kingmaker position.
Abdul Karim said GPS was part of the current Unity Government because it wanted to ensure political stability.
He added that any analysis of national politics should also take into account Sabah and Sarawak’s strategic importance, including their natural resources.
“If the situation in Peninsular Malaysia all leans towards one party or one coalition being able to form a government without Sabah and Sarawak, well, that is his opinion.
“But one must remember, where are Malaysia’s natural resources? Where are they located? Do you think West Malaysian-based political parties are willing to take that risk by not having that kind of cooperation with Sarawak or Sabah? Do they dare?” he asked.
Abdul Karim said the political role of Sabah and Sarawak would continue to be significant, regardless of how alliances might change in the future. — DayakDaily
