By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 7: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is planning to hold GPS Convention at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) with a tentative date set for April 19.
GPS secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the proposal was discussed during the GPS Supreme Leadership Council (SLC) meeting held today, which is convened at least four times a year.
He said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had proposed that GPS organise the convention, with representatives from all four GPS component parties to be invited, although the number of delegates has yet to be finalised.
“A central organising committee will be formed to manage the convention, to be chaired by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, with the presidents of Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) as deputy chairmen,” Nanta told reporters after the meeting.
He added that several meetings will be called by the organising chairman to form specific sub-committees to oversee preparations for the convention.
According to Nanta, the theme of the convention will focus on Sarawak’s achievements and direction under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 framework.
When asked whether the convention is part of preparations for the upcoming Sarawak election, Nanta said GPS is always prepared for any eventuality, including elections, but stressed that the convention is long overdue.
This will be the second GPS Convention since the launch of GPS in 2019.
On the status of the proposed 17 additional Sarawak State Assembly seats, Nanta said there is no new information yet on when the matter will be brought to Parliament.
“We are still waiting. It is being discussed and worked on, but I do not have further details to share at this point,” he said.
Asked whether the timing of the next Sarawak election depends on the outcome of the additional seats proposal, Nanta said the decision on election timing rests with the Premier.
“It is up to Premier,” he added. — DayakDaily
