KUCHING, Sept 20: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) holds the view that PAS best stays in Peninsular Malaysia as that is where it originates and thrives.
PBB information chief Datuk Idris Buang said PAS’ existence is only relevant to Peninsular Malaysia but not in Sarawak which has a totally different brand of politics.
He believed that PAS could not fit into the political ideology of Gabungan Parti Sarawak which had decided to break away from having any liaison with Peninsular Malaysia-based parties to fight for full return of Sarawak’s rights enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“Personally, and firstly I think, PAS with its kind of raison de’tre (the purpose of existence), is only peculiar and relevant in Semananjung. It may live well with Umno, for that matter, especially with regards to Malay-Muslim unity.
“(However), it is politically quite difficult to see a GPS-PAS pact especially when we know very well that GPS is a breakaway of the then Barisan Nasional with a primary objective of uniting all relevant and significantly well-supported Sarawak-based parties towards fighting for full Sarawak’s right under MA63 and the (Federal) Constitution, many of which had been eroded, violated and/or trampled upon by the federal side,” said Idris in a statement yesterday.
He asserted that GPS is made up of multiracial Sarawak-based parties and the solidarity within GPS is “platinium kinda solid”.
“Obviously we do not want to spoil or risk that in any manner, no matter how slightly,” stressed Idris.
Idris was responding to Sarawak Pakatan Harapan chief Chong Chieng Jen who alleged that PBB was in “an unholy alliance with PAS-Umno” following PBB president Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg receiving PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang during the latter’s visit to Sarawak.
Idris who is Muara Tuang assemblyman reiterated that PAS has its strength in Peninsular Malaysia and should remain there but help Sarawak at federal level.
“As I have said earlier, their (PAS) strength is mainly in Semananjung and being a Semananjung party, its more relevant there. They can help to realise all that GPS fights for, in the interest of Sarawakians, at the federal level.”
Idris asserted like all Peninsular-based parties, PAS can only be relevant in its place of origin.
“Just like DAP, PKR, UMNO, MCA, Bersatu and Amanah, all of which are Semananjung-based parties, PAS can be significant only in Semenanjung.
“Sarawak being multiracially unique and has a lot of its rights under MA63 etc to fight for, only GPS is genuinely and sincerely seen focused to be able to realise that It does not need to be subordinated or ‘subjugated’ by any Semenanjung party boss,” said Idris. — DayakDaily
