By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Sept 4: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) logo is well accepted by the grassroots and voters especially in the rural areas, said Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
He added that GPS component parties are basically former players in Barisan Nasional (BN) prior to the 14th general election (GE14)
“Yes of course, GPS is as popular or even better than it was in BN before GE14. But to win as many seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), GPS must fight as a team,” Masing told DayakDaily when contacted today.
GPS was created after the State BN component parties namely PBB, PRS, SUPP and PDP left the coalition after its defeat in GE14.
When asked on his party preparation in facing the upcoming State election (PRN12), Masing said PRS is now all set to go for the battle to defend its 11 seats.
“We are now just waiting for the gun to be fired for us to run the race,” he stressed.
He also added there is a possibility that GE15 may be held together with PRN12.
“In anticipation of that possibility, PRS is now also preparing our candidates for our six parliamentary seats. If all GPS parties work as one, I’m confident that PRS will win our six traditional parliamentary seats,” he said.
Meanwhile, Masing reiterated that PRS will field all its incumbents but the leave the final decision to Chef Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to endorse.
“Since he is the chairman of GPS, let him make the announcement,” added Masing.
Currently, GPS holds 68 seats in the DUN. As for the remaining 14 seats; six are held by PSB, five by DAP, one each is held by Bersatu and an Independent. DAP was given a blow when its former Pujut assemblyman Dr Ting Tiong Choon lost his case at the Federal Court following his disqualification as a DUN member.
To add salt to injury, two-term Padungan assemblyman Wong King Wei recently left the party and declared himself as an Independent.-DayakDaily
