By Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Oct 21: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing believes that bigger stake-holders within Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will lose more if the ruling coalition loses in coming Sarawak Election.
He said there was sabotage from within the ruling coalition during the 14th General Election (GE14) but PRS chose to play fair and move on.
“It is my hope that friends in GPS will not do the same things comes 2021. Unless component parties in GPS work as a united team or we, together, will perish .
“When it happens, samua alam perau (the longboat) called GPS will sink! Sapa maioh agi utai maia nya ila (those with more property) will stand to lose more. So please stay together,” said Masing.
Masing who is also Deputy Chief Minister said lessons must be learnt from GE14 results.
“GE14 was a lesson for both BN (Barisan Nasional) and UMNO in Malaya and Sabah. In areas where BN was almost untouchable for 61 years, UMNO lost.
“In Sarawak, similar things happened. In pockets where BN component parties were supposed to be strong, PRS lost.
“What I found strange was that in areas where PRS was strong, (but) that area was given to other BN component party during GE14. Their candidate won with landslide majority.
“Post election audit by PRS headquarters found things which were not very pleasant. These happenings within BN component parties was accountable to our lost.
“Even though elements of betrayal among friends took place during that time, PRS must continue to play an honest and sincere game,” said Masing during PRS’ 15th Anniversary Dinner at a local restaurant here today.
To the party members, he called for diligence and hard work to defend the seats of PRS.
“Parti Rakyat Sarawak is a poor party. We lack the required resource to fight the battle. We need the support of every party member especially those who have been given positions by the party.
“This include YBs, ministers and assistant ministers. Please use the time in your positions to prepare for the next battle. Work hard on the ground, serve your constituents, and get ready with the jentera (machinery) of war.
“A party like PRS cannot do much, so get yourselves ready. You have less than 18 months to get ready.
“For the first time in its history, PRS will fight against a unfriendly central government. It is a battle where losing is not an option. So the spirit of agi idup, agi ngelaban must persist,” said Masing. — DayakDaily
