By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Mar 3: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) disapproved of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)’ stand in supporting the new federal government under the leadership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, despite claims by the latter that it was not part of Perikatan Nasional.
Party president Voon Lee Shan said it was better for GPS to seek for Sarawak’s independence and not interfere with Peninsula politics between the ‘two tigers’.
“Let them be. But GPS still take sides, I hope the voters will know and will come to punish them and give support to PBK (in the upcoming state election).
“If PBK formed the next government, we will demand our rights from Peninsula including seeking independence. We will fight and lead Sarawak to independence by peaceful and constitutional means,” he told a press conference today.
Voon emphasised that PBK had no problem to work with any political party for the good, peace and harmony of Sarawak and for all Sarawakians.
“The Sarawak state election is very near and I believe Sarawakians will reject the Peninsula-based parties. We wil reject them too,” he said.
When asked about the number of seats PBK intended to contest in the upcoming state election, Voon replied: “Don’t worry, we will tell you when the time comes. The potential candidates are already here. It is still premature to disclose our strategy. Our concern is to bring PBK to victory and fight for Sarawak.”
Meanwhile, Voon urged that the security of the country be preserved at all costs as there have already been unhappiness on Malaysia’s new government under Muhyiddin who was appointed the 8th prime minister.
“There are people going down to the streets to protest in Peninsular Malaysia. This can cause tension between various parties – parties who support the present government and those who opposed.
“As such, police have to do their job while the military must keep watch of this matter as Malaysia should maintain as a peaceful country and should not go beyond what’s allowed in the law,” he said.
However, Voon highlighted that citizens have the right to hold peaceful assembly or protest or demonstration under the law and constitution.
He hopes that the relevant authorities will issue permits to allow citizens to voice their grievances because it was the right of the people.
“In a democratic country like Malaysia, the government should not fear dissent through assembly or protest as we never face any serious violence during street demostration unless someone provoked. But so far we have been peaceful,” he said.
He, however, advised those who intend to hold demonstration to get a permit and not go against the law.
Voon also hopes that the new government will not create another ‘Operation Lalang’ by directing authorities to clamp down on or arrest activists en masse as well as people demanding their rights to be protected and heard.
“Let the people voice their grievances about what’s going on, whether this present government under Muhyiddin, which some said did not have the mandate or through backdoor government, let the legal process takes its course,” he added.
He also pointed out that those dissatisfied with the government can always bring the matter to Parliament and throw a vote of non-confidence.
“We don’t want to see this country descend to chaos. Most important of all, we don’t want the culture of Peninsular Malaysia to be imported to Sarawak. It is not acceptable to us. PBK hopes the harmony in Sarawak among the various races and political parties be maintained. Whatever the outcome, he urged people to stay cool and calm,” he urged. —DayakDaily
