By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 24: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue championing Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) regardless of who becomes the next prime minister, says Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP) deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep.
He stressed that the MA63 struggle has been ongoing for so long that changes in the federal administration are not new to the process, to the extent that it can no longer be said that a change in prime minister would derail Sarawak’s push for MA63.
“Whoever forms the federal government, MA63 will always remain our priority. Be it Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim or anyone else, we will continue to champion it.
“We have been fighting for this. We cannot say that a change in prime minister will disrupt our push for MA63. This has always been our priority.
“So when it comes to elections, whether it is tomorrow or next year, we are prepared. This is our cause,” he told reporters when met at the Sarawak Inter-Division & Sarawak Closed Tennis Championship 2026 prize-giving ceremony and BBQ dinner held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration organised by the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) here today.
His remarks come amid growing speculation over the possibility of early general elections following recent political tensions at the federal level, including within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
The speculation intensified after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reportedly warned that a general election could be called if political cooperation within the ruling coalition continues to be undermined.
Henry, who is the Sarawak’s Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Marine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman, further said GPS remains prepared for any possibility of early elections, stressing that the coalition’s machinery is continuously active on the ground.
“We are well prepared. GPS works around the clock. We are not elected representatives by season.
“Whenever we go to the ground, we are there to take care of the rakyat. We are politicians all round the clock,” he stated.
At the same time, he acknowledged that the current federal administration under Anwar has shown a more accommodating approach towards Sarawak compared to previous governments.
“We have gone through the administrations of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Patinggi Ismail Sabri Yaakob and now Anwar. Anwar appears to be more accommodative.
“That is why he has remained in office longer. They need the strength of Sarawak. Without Sarawak, there would not be a unity government,” he said.
At the same time, Henry indicated that GPS remains open in deciding its future federal alignment should another hung parliament emerge after the next general election.
“That one we will see when we cross the bridge. We cannot presume what will happen next.
“But of course, we will work with the government to make sure that Malaysia continue to be united, a strong government, united government, and also to take care of our MA63, our rights,” he said.
In a pointed remark, Henry added that Sarawak would not support any federal administration that neglects the State’s interests.
“Why should we extend support to a government that does not support Sarawak?” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
