KUCHING, Nov 10: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi asserts the GPS kenyalang logo is now the preferred political symbol in Sarawak, particularly in rural areas.
In a statement, Nanta stated that last year, during the State election, when it was used for the first time, he was concerned about the people’s recognition, acceptance, appreciation, and support for GPS’s participation in the general election for the first time on its own.
“Thank goodness in the (2021 Sarawak State) election, GPS won 76 (out) of the 82 seats contested.
“In (the) Kapit division, GPS won Katibas, Pelagus, Bukit Goram, and Balleh seats.
“Thus the decision by our Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to form GPS is a right decision and fully supported by Sarawakians,” he said in his speech today at a ‘meet-the-people’ session at Rumah Jarup, Sungai Sempadi in Katibas, Song.
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas was the guest-of-honour at the function.
“I am confident we can still do well in this parliamentary election (GE15). The feel-good feeling among the people for GPS is still there.
“The rakyat ‘ke ulu, ke ili’ (upriver and downriver), they have pledged to support GPS. GPS is strong now but we can make it even stronger. We can do it by sending more GPS members to Parliament.
“So I urge Sarawakians to give their fullest support to all GPS candidates. We want to win all of the 31 (parliamentary) seats contested. We will then have a much stronger representation and voice in Parliament,” Nanta asserted.
“Then we will be the most formidable force in protecting our rights, fighting for our fair share of the federal development budget and so forth.”
Nanta, who is also the caretaker Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), denied accusations that he had done little to prevent the increase in prices of food and other necessities.
“In 2020, the ministry was given a budget of RM150 million for subsidies. In 2021, I managed to increase it to RM200 million,” he said, claiming that many of the accusations were exaggerated.
In the meantime, on his chances in the coming general election, he expressed confidence he could retain the P215 Kapit seat.
He said the opposition lacked concrete plans, strategy, and funds to implement any effective development.
Nanta said that if GPS won convincingly and was asked to assist in the formation of the federal government, it would push for more ministerial positions in the federal cabinet. — DayakDaily
