By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Oct 31: Muara Tuang assemblyman Datuk Idris Buang holds the view that Sarawakians need a unified front under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to fight for their rights.
To him, that ‘united front’ vehicle is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
“There are still some Sarawakians who are not really conversant with the real political scenario affecting Sarawak.
“We need to go on as a strong unified force under the leaders of GPS because GPS is the only original, true Sarawakian party and knows the needs of Sarawak.
“What binds us together is the collective struggle for Sarawak’s rights, led by the chief minister. He is the most important element in the struggle,” Idris told DayakDaily during a telephone interview.
Idris was commenting on a survey undertaken by Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi of University Malaya.
According to Awang Azman, the survey result shows that 70 per cent of Sarawakians support GPS.
In terms of racial breakdown, he said 80 per cent of Malay/Melanau and 60 to 70 per cent of Ibans support GPS. On the other hand, 80 per cent of the Chinese and 60 to 70 per cent of Bidayuhs support PH.
Idris said he was not surprised by the survey results, which he totally agreed with.
“It is not surprising to know that. What it really means is that we need to work harder,” he opined.
On Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s claim that the real situation on the ground was that 75 per cent of Sarawakians wanted a new state government, Idris said, Chong was nothing but hot air.
“It is just hot air,” Idris commented. — DayakDaily
