By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, April 28: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing revealed that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will soon decide on its ties with Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), which has asserted that it is GPS-friendly but has been going around expanding its bases in GPS-held areas.
“In terms of GPS, we know where we stand. And we are waiting for a decision to be made. And the decision will be made … I believe is very soon for the betterment of GPS,” Masing told reporters after attending the GPS pre-council meeting at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB)’s headquarters here today.
When asked if GPS is ready to face-off with PSB in case it decided to face GPS in the coming state election that is due in 2021, Masing said, “We are not scared of any coalition. We will fight for what is best for Sarawak”.
Masing, who is also a deputy chief minister, pointed out that there were things that were not for the consumption of the media.
“GPS is in the position that you are not in the position to know. Not yet. There will be a decision for the betterment of GPS as a political organisation. GPS’ role is very important,” he said.
On the seemingly continuous efforts by the federal government to erode Sarawak’s rights, such as the High Court registry relocation case and the draft Legal Profession Bill 2019 issue, Masing replied, “They want to test our ability. If we allow that to happen, we will be bulldozed by them.
“And I’m pleased that we make a stand. I think CM has also made a very strong stand on issues that affect Sarawak regardless of which (part of the) political divide they belong to. We should not be divided (on Sarawak’s rights) because Sarawak is our only place. I don’t have any other place to go,” he stressed.
Masing also appealed to the people of Sarawak to continue supporting GPS to control the State Legislative Assembly (DUN).
“We must control our DUN. We are the last frontier. Of course, they want to come over. They are more aggressive than us, and they have the advantage. Our way of doing things here is slightly different,” he said, adding that should Parliament need to pass a Bill that affects Sarawak, it must go through Sarawak’s DUN.
“That’s why it is very important for GPS to control DUN Sarawak. Parliament that side, they have more than two-thirds majority plus Sabah. So, we have no control over the law they pass in Parliament. But we have control over the DUN here. And any law that affects Sarawak needs the state DUN’s approval,” he said. — DayakDaily
