KUCHING, August 8: Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs Abdullah Saidol believes Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is on solid ground, even though there is a rumour that several lawmakers are crossing to Pakatan Harapan (PH).
He described the speculation as “frivolous and a hollow political attempt” to create suspicion and unease within GPS.
“Contrary to the negative speculation about things happening in GPS, senior leaders, including all members in GPS, are in fact eager and excited about preparing themselves for the official launching of GPS.
“Rest assured it’s going to be a glorious and historical moment for every member of GPS throughout Sarawak, where we, in GPS, will enter the dawn of a solidly united Sarawak-based coalition and undertake a more progressive political direction and philosophy,” Abdullah said today.
He also stressed that all GPS lawmakers and party leaders were determined to protect Sarawak’s interests.
“And most importantly, GPS aims to deliver the much-desired prosperity to all Sarawakians. We in PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu), including our comrades in GPS, are aware of the challenges in facing the next state election,” he said.
Abdullah, who is also Semop assemblyman, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had advised all elected state representatives to understand the state’s policies and political direction of GPS.
“Once GPS is officially launched, YAB Chief Minister wants every YB in GPS to act immediately and aggressively by going to the grassroots to explain our stance and position.
“While political debates are unavoidable, YAB CM wants every GPS YB to concentrate on various developments and to act swiftly in handling all issues in their respective constituencies.
“Delivery of people-centric projects and socio-economic programmes are pertinent, and we will also closely monitor every single promise made by PH during the 14th general election,” he said.
On the rumour that several GPS lawmakers planned to switch sides, Abdullah said by putting the sequence of events in order, it will be clear the rumour had no credibility.
Abdullah said it all started when someone said on Facebook that a few MPs from GPS would exit the ruling state coalition. Then on Aug 5, an individual by the name of Johan Mohamed introduced himself as the pro-tem chairman of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sarawak Branch. Johan claimed he was not aware of the rumour and that it did not originate from his camp.
“He (Johan) further said perhaps the rumour was created by Parti Pribumi Sarawak (Pribumi). He (Johan) also stressed that Bersatu never had any collaboration with Pribumi,” Abdullah pointed out.
The following day, Bersatu’s secretary-general Dato Dr Shahruddin Mohd Salleh issued a press statement stating that the party’s supreme council had not decided whether to set up base in Sarawak.
“I will not mention the name, but one of the MPs from GPS, when asked about this speculation, responded: “If exit from GPS, then join who? This rumour is thus absolutely ridiculous and absurd”,” opined Abdullah. — DayakDaily
