KUCHING, June 12: New local alliance Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) may gradually evolve into a single entity in the future.
Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said currently GPS is made up of four parties — Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and SUPP.
“The four parties are just the beginning in the formation of GPS. I believe it may evolve into a single entity in the future. Sarawak needs to be more united now than before. The word ‘unity’ means ‘in the state of being united or joined as a whole, instead of having many parties in one entity’,” said Dr Sim.
He said this to reporters today after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the pulling out of the four ruling parties from the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition to form GPS.
On United People’s Party (UPP), Dr Sim said they were welcomed to join GPS when the time comes.
He said SUPP and UPP had a very long history, with many new and old members, but at the end of the day, UPP must make the decision on what they should do next because UPP cannot just stand alone.
“As I have mentioned before, all Sarawakians, not just UPP, are welcome to join us. Now with GPS, those who believe in Sarawak autonomy are very much welcome to join us.
“We will continue the effort to bring 2.7 million Sarawakians together. What we have lost over the years, whether it is intentionally or unintentionally, knowingly or not knowingly, under the circumstances that we don’t know, if we don’t fight for it, we are as guilty as those who know,” reasoned Dr Sim.
When pressed for more details on the structure of GPS, Dr Sim said they would need to work it out as soon as possible.
“It is definitely not your mobile GPS,” he joked.
He said party delegates would be informed of the latest development and together they would go through all the details that needed to be considered.
“Rest assured, GPS is serious in continuing to defend Sarawak rights and to work closely with the federal government,” he added.
On Sarawak Pakatan Harapan, Dr Sim wondered about their stand on Sarawak.
“In the interest of Sarawak and Sarawakians, do they still need to refer back to their respective party bosses in West Malaysia? What will happen if their bosses in West Malaysia say no to all suggestions or demands made by Sarawakians? What are they going to do? Break away from them?
“You always say Sarawak first, Sarawakian first. So, perhaps it is time to think about forming a strong Sarawak by joining us,” Dr Sim said. — DayakDaily
