PUSA, Feb 7: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has brushed off rumours that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is working with Umno and PAS to form a new coalition.
He said that the speculation could have been due to “jealousy” as Sarawak government has the means to get more revenues for the state.
“So they took to the social media to make all kinds of accusations. Recently, we (GPS) were lumped into their (peninsula) issue saying I want to support ‘group A’, ‘group B’.
“They don’t have enough (majority) there and depend on Sarawak. I have insisted that no, we are not involved, that’s their problem. They can fight all they want, Sarawakians don’t fight,” he said at the Rindok Digital programme here today.
Abang Johari was referring to a national daily report on Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid seeking political cooperation with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in which the former deputy prime minister expressed support for Dr Mahathir to serve as prime minister for a full term.
Such a move would prevent the promised power transition to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Abang Johari emphasised that he was not concerned about the power struggle over the premiership in the Peninsular Malaysia.
Sarawak, he continued, will focus on delivering infrastructure across the state and bring development to improve the livelihood of the people especially in rural areas.
“We will bring water supply, electric supply and elevate standard of living of people in rural areas and villages. That’s our duty and work.
“We must be politically stable. Don’t listen to rumours or accuse others. I have served the people for nearly 40 years, all my life. God is watching and if we are sincere, that’s the way of life,” he said.
After chairing GPS supreme council meeting yesterday (Feb 6), Abang Johari said he was puzzled as to why the state ruling coalition was lumped into the issue. He added that GPS will not react but observe from a distance the development of the issue.
Meanwhile, it was reported that a total of 79 MPs from Umno, PAS and GPS had signed a statutory declaration to give Dr Mahathir the mandate to do the necessary.
It was also claimed that apart from 27 Bersatu MPs, Dr Mahathir also has the support of eight MPs from Warisan and 15 from PKR over this realignment.
Rumours have it that Dr Mahathir’s “political reshuffle” would start a new coalition comprising Umno, PAS and GPS, as well as support from several MPs from Bersatu, Warisan and PKR. — DayakDaily
