KUCHING, Aug 31: Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak will meet this Friday (Sept 2) at 10.30am to discuss the way forward and its strategy for the impending 15th General Election (GE15).
Following the appointment of Roland Engan as the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak chairman, PH Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the the scene is now set for the coalition to meet to discuss the direction of PH Sarawak comprising Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak, PKR Sarawak and Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) Sarawak.
Chong noted that with the recent Cabinet decision to bring forward the tabling of Budget 2023 to Oct 7, rumours were rife that the GE15 will likely be held in November this year.
“The coming GE15 will be very important for the future of the country.
“Now that Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak is behind bars for, inter alia, the criminal breach of trust committed by him while holding the office of prime minister, the question whether he will serve his full term or be pardoned pre-maturely, will to a large extent depend upon the result of GE15.
“Also, whether the other Umno (United Malays National Organisation) VVIPs who are currently charged in Court, will see their charges withdrawn or otherwise, will also depend on the outcome of GE15,” he said in a statement today.
More importantly for the people and the country, Chong, who is also DAP Sarawak chairman, added that whether the reforms started by the PH government after GE14 will be continued, will also depend upon the outcome of GE15.
Whether the country would revert to the old or move forward with more systemic reforms, Chong was of the view that if Barisan Nasional (BN) wins in GE15, it will likely be a step backwards for the country.
“The Sarawak GPS is the Umno loyalist as shown time and again. Regardless of what the SUPP (Sarawak United Peoples’ Party) say, PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) will stick with Umno as they have the same DNA. SUPP has no choice but to follow suit.
“As the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) has already had a strong grip over the State’s power, to give them more Parliamentary seats in the coming GE will be a great disservice to Sarawak. Not only will it strengthen the chances of Umno’s return, but it will create political hegemony having no check and balance for all Sarawakians,” he emphasised.
Therefore, Chong who is also Stampin MP, emphasised that it is important that PH Sarawak strategise as soon as possible for the coming GE15. — DayakDaily
