By Geryl Ogilvy
KUCHING, Jan 9: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) continues to push forward its image as the protector of Sarawak rights and interests with the unveiling of its hornbill-centric logo today.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the logo’s concept, designed in the shape of the letter ‘S’, reflects the pose of the hornbill, which is indigenous to Sarawak.
The hornbill, which is a protected species in the state, symbolises GPS’ intention to continue protecting Sarawak, he told the hundreds of guests at the official unveiling ceremony at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters here.
“Today is a historic moment for Sarawak politics because we have formed a coalition of parties, led by Sarawakians, to lead and shape the future direction that protects the interest of the state and her people in the Federation of Malaysia.
“We will protect our rights and interests in the spirit of democracy and ensure fairness towards all the people of various races and religions in this blessed and beloved land of the hornbill,” he said in his speech.
Describing the logo, Abang Johari said the colour red symbolises the supremacy of the federal and state constitutions and white symbolises fairness in the Rule of Law that must be respected.
Black, meanwhile, represents the pillar of the coalition that consists of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
These three colours reflect GPS as a coalition that will protect the interest of Sarawak and its rights in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Sarawak and Malaysia constitutions, he added.
Abang Johari expressed gratitude to Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the federal government for approving GPS as a political entity to serve Sarawakians.
The chief minister gave his assurance that GPS would continue to develop the state by improving economic conditions, living standards and promoting good values to the people.
“To all GPS component party leaders and members, let us move forward together in protecting the rights of Sarawak,” he said.
At the event, Abang Johari presented the GPS flag to the respective component parties’ Youth chief as the Youth armada embarked on an eight-day flag rally across Sarawak, starting in Lawas on Friday (Jan 11). The tour, making stops at all state divisions, will end in Samarahan on Jan 18.
On Saturday, Jan 19, GPS will hold its official launching ceremony as a political entity at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya, here.
The GPS logo was designed by 20-year-old software engineering student Voon Cherng Jyh from Mile 10 here. Voon, currently studying at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Kuala Lumpur, pocketed RM10,000 for his winning entry in the GPS logo design competition held last year.
The event also saw the the coalition’s theme “GPS Utamakan Sarawak” officially played in public for the first time. The song was composed by Narawi Rashidi.
Among the state leaders at the event included Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) deputy president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, PBB secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi and vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah. — DayakDaily
