By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 16: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders, do not show favouritism towards any political party in Sabah, says Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said that while many Sabah leaders are friends regardless of whether they are in government or the opposition, it is ultimately up to the people of Sabah to decide who should be given the mandate in the upcoming Sabah State Election.
“As far as Sabah politics is concerned, we don’t show any favouritism for any side. A lot of them are our friends, whether they are in the government or outside of the government. We leave it to the Sabahans to determine who they want to be in the government.
“We know that the Sabah election will be soon, and we hope that everything will be fine down there, and that the voters are able to use their own good judgement to determine who should be given the mandate,” he told reporters in a doorstep interview after officiating at DayakDaily’s ‘Homestay Odyssey’ Writing Competition Awards Ceremony at the Waterfront Hotel here today.
Abdul Karim, who is the Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak as well as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information Chief, clarified that his recent trip to Sabah two days ago was not political in nature but related to a youth programme involving Sarawak, Sabah and Johor.
“My going to Sabah two days ago was because we have this youth programme, which involves Sabah, Sarawak and Johor.
“It was initiated by Sarawak two years ago. Then in 2024 it was held in Johor, and this year it’s held in Sabah.
“That’s why Sabah’s Youth and Sports Minister, Johor’s Youth and Sports Exco and myself as Sarawak’s Youth and Sports Minister were there together to show solidarity with the youth,” he explained.
He further stressed that any visits by Sarawak leaders to Sabah should not be seen as political endorsements.
“We are not supporting any (candidates). And personally, I feel that if possible, there’s no need for Sarawak leaders to go there and campaign,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
