KUCHING, Sept 2: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy presidential candidate Rafizi Ramli today advised Sarawakians who yearn to reclaim the state’s rights from the federal government to vote Pakatan Harapan (PH) into power in the next state election, which is due in 2021.
This is because the state’s ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is now in the opposition, meaning it would be difficult for the state to negotiate with Putrajaya on this matter.
Rafizi, who is up against former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali for the party’s No. 2 post in internal polls later this month, gave assurance that if he were to win the contest, he would be able to give full attention to the Sarawak PKR election machinery in preparation for the state election.
“For PH to be able to take over as the Sarawak government, we must start now. With good planning, groundwork and understanding the laments of the people on the ground, I am sure we can win their votes,” he said during a #Reformasi20Tahun party election campaign event at a hotel here this morning.
Rafizi told those present that many people in the peninsula, including some of his colleagues, did not understand nor dare to highlight the sentiments and laments of Sarawakians, especially regarding the state’s rights and infrastructure development.
He reckoned the best solution was to educate them and not to be afraid to raise issues close to the hearts of Sarawakians to the federal government.
“We need leaders who walk the talk and who understand the needs of Sarawakians, including issues close to their hearts.
“Many leaders, especially those in the peninsula, do not understand that Sarawak and Sabah are two components that help form the federation of Malaysia. The other component is the peninsula,” said Rafizi.
He believed that with a Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-Rafizi Ramli combo leading the party, Sarawak would not be neglected by Putrajaya, especially if PH takes over Sarawak.
He, however, reiterated that he would only be able to perform optimally if he were to be elected as the party’s deputy president.
Meanwhile, Julau MP Larry Sng opined it was time for Sarawakians to choose a leader who could effectively raise issues affecting Sarawak to the federal government.
He expressed full confidence in Rafizi doing well as the party’s deputy president as he had vast experience within the party and as an MP.
“He (Rafizi) is the best for Malaysia and for Sarawak,” said Sng of Rafizi. — DayakDaily
