KUCHING, March 7: PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Masing said the party agreed to the cooperation between the state-ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) at the federal level under certain conditions.
He said GPS chairman and Sarawak chief minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has briefed coalition party leaders on the possibility of GPS being offered federal cabinet roles under PN administration.
Masing, who is also deputy chief minister, added that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) immediately sought feedback from members, including those from Sibu who were at the state capital for the International Women’s Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.
“PRS has agreed with certain conditions being put in place before we take part. One which is that GPS will not join Perikatan Nasional coalition, but we are on our own and we aren’t accountable to PN leadership,” he said when contacted.
Masing noted that others details and the conditions given will be appropriately explained by the chief minister.
“What is pivotal to PRS is that we, as part of GPS had assisted in stabilising the country, so that government business can take place and people live in peace,” he continued.
Abang Johari, after chairing Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) supreme council meeting here today, announced that GPS has accepted the invitation to join the federal cabinet on the condition that it is based on the “PN+GPS” formula.
The PBB president disclosed that GPS has received the invitation to be part of the federal cabinet two days ago (March 5), and that Prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has agreed to the formula.
Abang Johari said such consideration had been taken on two premises, where Sarawak) will have representation in the federal cabinet to voice and continue fighting for the aspirations and interests of Sarawak and its people.
“As cabinet members, we will continue to pursue Sarawak rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and we want Petronas to abide by the State Sales Tax,” he added.
GPS comprised of PBB, PRS, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). — DayakDaily
