by Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 8: Parti Bersatu Sarawak (PSB) or any outside political force attempting to destabilise the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition has no place in this institution.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing emphasised that the four GPS component parties were unanimous and standing together as one to fight against any political force which tries to hinder GPS from protecting and defending its objectives.
Earlier in his winding-up speech for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, he echoed Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyambong’s remarks in his debate on the TYT’s address that “GPS is not only a political coalition but an institution that protects Sarawak rights”.
“Regardless of the position you are in, you have no place in this honourable institution (GPS) including PSB which tries to destabilise us,” he later reiterated to reporters at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Complex today.
“Nor do we tolerate anybody or any political organisation which tries to destabilise GPS under whatever excuses and pretext. You touch one, you touch all, that is our philosophy. GPS will always put Sarawak and Sarawakians first,” he emphasised.
Earlier, Masing also reminded the august House that GPS is a coalition of four Sarawak-based parties namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputra (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
“We will not agree to any accomodation of PSB. But then again, they have never sent in their application letter that they want to join us (GPS) until today. I don’t think they are interested,” he said.
He stressed that there was no need to beg them (PSB) because if they would have sent in their application if the party was interested to join GPS.
On plans to remove PSB president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who is also the Second Finance Minister, from the Cabinet, Masing explained that it was for Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to decide.
To a question, he said: “It has to be before the election. It does not matter, we fight people all the time. It is better to fight a known enemy than to fight an unknown enemy. I would prefer a straight fight.
“It is better to fight people on the front than to fight ‘dalam selimut’ (internally) then it will be difficult,” he added while insisting that the defending stance should be taken as soon as possible.
Masing emphasised that PRS, SUPP and PDP were now on the same page to stop PSB from entering the GPS house with their recalcitrant attitude towards GPS.
Commenting on the said recalcitrant attitude, Masing also expressed that it was difficult to believe that PSB could recruit tens of thousands of members in the short period of campaigning to promote the party.
“Unless they are Superman. Money may attract but it will not last long. You want the heart not the pocket,” he said.
On when Abang Johari will make his move on this matter, he opined that the Chief Minister will take things one step at a time, with careful and indepth thinking before making the next move.
“Once he decides, makes the move, and that’s it… ‘kita tidak lari la’ (we don’t run away from it),” he added. — DayakDaily
