KUCHING, Nov 7: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP Youth chief Robert Ayu is calling on all component parties of GPS to reach a consensus on the allocation of seats – by choosing the right candidates – instead of being a lone party clinging onto a seat which is difficult to win.
This is to improve the coalition’s overall success, said Robert in a statement today.
He said to achieve this, it is important to lend focus by considering the candidacy of each party and the potential chances of the candidate winning a particular seat.
“Selecting the right candidate should not hinge on any party’s historical claim on a constituency. A party clinging onto a seat out of self-interest that it cannot win does not improve the coalition’s overall chances,” he said.
The PDP Youth thus unanimously concurred with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah’s statement that a certain component party had been reluctant to relinquish seats that it had lost numerous times.
“We believe that all members of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) must learn from their past mistakes.
“If our past performance seems to be eroding voters’ confidence in certain seats, then unconventional actions should be taken, including having talks with allies to switch seats,” he said.
Considering the fact that politics change with the times, Robert pointed out that sticking to the same old campaign strategies will put one in a cocoon.
“If the component party does not think ahead, personal interests will take over their priorities in the long run. This could lead to them using their authority and positions to suppress other component parties, which will also alienate them further from the grassroots.
“We should keep in mind that one of the opponents we will face include Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), which was once an ally but has now defected. And they are eyeing the seats of the GPS parties,” he reminded.
Robert emphasised that if the GPS component parties, comprising PBB, PDP, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), do not form a united campaign strategy and cooperate well, chances for victory will be in danger in the upcoming election.
“We need to realise that all the components of the GPS alliance must join forces, or lose it all. We need to unite in preparation for the state elections to successfully defend the GPS government.
“We will not win with ongoing disputes and attacks on each other over seat distribution. All of this friction is not beneficial to GPS,” he said.
He opined that GPS may do well to refer to some of the methods practised in Peninsula Malaysia as it was common for seats to be redistributed and candidates switching constituencies to achieve better results.
This strategic approach, he continued, will help increase the chances of victory and avoid seats that were more favoured to their political opponents.
“I wish to stress that the GPS component parties should not regard their so-called traditional seats as their party assets. This adverse line of thinking will keep the party stagnant with ineffective performance records.
“Therefore, I hope that the final distribution of seats for GPS parties will focus on the candidate’s grassroots work regardless of the party. Enhancing goodwill and trust among the public is what will bring GPS to victory. And do not poison the well and sabotage the alliance as a form of protest,” he added. – DayakDaily
