KUCHING, Mar 17: A special assistant to Chong Chieng Jen holds that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is merely a pawn “dictated” by other allegedly extreme parties such as Parti Islam Se Malaysian (PAS) and Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu (Bersatu).
Michael Kong believes GPS is a pawn to these two parties despite its claim to be the kingmaker for the federal government.
“GPS had boasted being the kingmaker for the federal government. Regrettably, this episode shows how they are merely a pawn and are still being dictated by other extreme parties like PAS and Bersatu.
“Instead of being a party that puts Sarawak first, GPS has put Sarawak on the back burner. All their repeated failures show us that GPS has no political will and power when it comes to protecting Sarawak and our rights,” said Kong in a statement today.
Kong was referring to the Allah case on Mar 10. Kuala Lumpur High Court had on that day decided that the non-Muslim community may use the word “Allah” in their preaching and publications.
The High Court also decided that the community can use the words “Baitullah”, “Kaabah” and “solat” for teaching purposes which the Malaysian government has banned for 35 years.
Christians in Sarawak and Sabah received the decision in jubilation to find out that their joy was short-lived as on Mar 12, the federal government had filed its appeal against the High Court’s decision.
Meanwhile, Kong also lambasted Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian for expressing disappointment over Putra Jaya contesting against Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on the Allah case.
To him, “this is again just another dubious political stunt by SUPP”.
“It is typical of SUPP crying disappointment when they are actually the source of that disappointment,” said Kong who pointed out that as a component of Perikatan Nasional (PN), SUPP together with its fellow GPS coalition members hold a significant number of positions in the federal cabinet.
“With that position of power, GPS should have been fully aware of the deliberation and stand its ground against the making of that decision,” said Kong.
Referring to the recent bipartisan joint statement signed by leaders of both political divides, as well as independent lawmakers to call on the federal government not to bring the Allah Case to the Court of Appeal, Kong said Dr Sim and his counterparts in SUPP “have conveniently neglected to show their support for this bipartisan call”.
“This is sad considering their constant vocal ‘opposition’ on the subject matter,” said Kong. -DayakDaily
