Don’t betray Sarawak’s interests, Soo says to GPS amid power jostling

Soo (second right) shows Aspirasi's new logo of a shield and Rajah Brooke Butterfly. Also seen are (from right) Voon, Bulin and Mesah.
Soo (second right) shows Aspirasi's new logo of a shield and Rajah Brooke Butterfly. Also seen are (from right) Voon, Bulin and Mesah.

KUCHING, Feb 29: Sarawak People’s Aspiration (Aspirasi) president Lina Soo called for the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to not betray the people’s voices and act on the interest of Sarawak.

Soo in a press statement today said GPS had repeatedly announced that they would act in Sarawak’s interests, but it seemed opposite as it was muddled and riddled with posturing and ambiguity.

“GPS must be clear about our own position and what it should stand for, with integrity and dignity.

“GPS must heed the people’ voices and not betray the people, or suffer the consequences in the coming Sarawak election,” she said.

Lina also said that Sarawak government must define its commitment to listen to the voices of the people by delivering the independence referendum within two years of the formation of the incoming federal government in which it need the political support from Sarawak.

She noted that amidst the current political situation, Aspirasi’s stand was clear, in line with Sarawak’s interest and at the same time supporting the clarion call by Sabahan and Sarawak People’s Initiative (SASS) and S4S for an independence referendum for Sarawak and Sabah.

“For Sarawak, it is the time for hard decisions on the way forward. But the Sarawakian can choose their political direction on the principle of Self-determination as enshrined in United Nations Charter Article 1(2) and UN International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights Article 1(1) where the population of a nation has the inalienable right to choose our political status, social and economic well-being.

“The agreement must be in writing, signed and sealed, and includes the obligation to give effect to such independence if a simple majority favours such a position,” she added.

Soo pointed out that the agreement must also include parliamentary legislation to declare that the Petroleum Development Act and the Territorial Sea Act are not applicable to Sarawak and Sabah; and a repeal of all parliamentary acts subverting Sarawak and Sabah rights and interests.

“If the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari cannot deliver the aforementioned conditions and our aspiration for an independence referendum is not met, GPS should seek a dissolution of Parliament to pave the way for the people to exercise their right to vote.

“A government built upon political expediency, and lust for power can never last and will never stand the test of time,” she said. -DayakDaily.