By Karen Bong & Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 21: How long can Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) sustain? The answer lies in Anak Sarawak, as they are the ones who will carry the torch and spirit to defend and safeguard Sarawak.
This is the answer of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in responding to a question from a youth regarding the extent to which GPS can survive and sustain without any division given that there are four component parties within the coalition while citing the case of Barisan Nasional (BN) which was formed by many parties but the number had decreased over time.
He posed a question to the audience, predominantly comprising Sarawakian students, youth, and working adults: “Do you want to defend Sarawak?” The enthusiastic response was a resounding “maok” (yes).
“Let us unite in all our organisations. We prioritise Sarawak in the spirit of Malaysia because we are within the Federation of Malaysia.
“But we have our strengths and rights in the Constitution. That’s why we decided that GPS will be the sole coalition which will defend and protect the rights of Sarawak,” he affirmed, reiterating that Sarawak can only be managed by Sarawakians and that the GPS government will develop Sarawak using its own mould.
He highlighted this during the Town Hall Sarawak Agenda #tanyakAbangJo in conjunction with Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak 2023 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur today.
Abang Johari reminded that leaders come and go, but the continuity of GPS and the protection of Sarawak’s interests depend on the people of Sarawak.
“I am getting old. We have young leaders who would take the reins, and it is up to you to sustain it (GPS), protect the rights of Sarawak, and ensure Sarawak’s voice is heard loudly by all leaders,” he added.
Recounting all the political turmoils and upheavals Malaysia had been through since the 2018 election, Abang Johari emphasised that Sarawak made the right and wise decision to form GPS, allowing the State to free itself from the Federal and national political grip.
“In BN last time, we have a boss. In GPS, we are our own boss, so we can fulfil our responsibilities and duties by putting the interests of Sarawak and Sarawakians first. That’s why Sarawak can significantly increase our revenue from RM5 billion to RM12 billion in just four years,” he pointed out.
Abang Johari expressed confidence that GPS will endure, upheld by Anak Sarawak, who will continue to defend the political system in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
