SARIKEI, Jan 16: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has once again called on the people to protect and safeguard the unity and rights of Sarawak like an endangered hornbill.
Jemoreng assemblyman Datuk Mursyid Diraja Dr Juanda Jaya boasted about how amazing the people were in multiracial Sarawak in that languages, cultures and differences were not a barrier to understanding and friendship.
“That’s why GPS can be established. Do you this is possible if we are led by Malayan-based parties? I doubt we will be this united,” he said during the GPS Flag Rally at the Civic Centre here yesterday.
“As such, we must protect the ties that bind us. Those who shoot and harm the hornbill will be put behind bars. The same goes to those who try to disturb our rights; we will fight back,” he stressed.
Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs Abdullah Saidol who is also Semop assemblyman reminded those present to never involve element of racism in the fight for their rights.
“It is not wrong for any race, be it Malay, Chinese, Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau or Kayan to fight for their own rights, but we must do so without racial discrimination,” he said while pointing towards the growing racial divide in Peninsular Malaysia which consisted mainly of three races — Malay, Chinese and Indian.
“It is very important for us to preserve this unity, not for us, but for our future generation,” he added.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh said that it was not wrong to use ‘old wine in a new bottle’ to describe GPS as it meant the wine was still good and a new bottle marked a new beginning.
“GPS being a new political entity is relevant and will continue with our political struggle,” he said.
“Unlike 93-year-old Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who wanted a ‘Malaysia Baru’ but this is what you call old wine in an old bottle,” he added.
As such, Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing urged the Chinese communities here to be wise on who to vote for when the state election comes.
“Many of the promises in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) manifesto such as recognition for Unified Examination Certificate are not fulfilled. Many in the Chinese community are upset and running out of patience,” he said.
“Looking at how things are going, do we want to continue to support the PH leadership who is not concerned about the needs and wants of its people?,” he asked.
Repok assemblyman Datuk Sri Huang Tiong Sii reminded those present that Sarawak is lucky to have Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg who is concerned about the position of Sarawak and interests of the people.
“That’s why he continues to fight for our rights especially for autonomy in oil and gas, education, health and many more,” he said.
“I am appealing to supporters especially in the Chinese community to give your fullest support to GPS so that we can have a better future,” he added. — DayakDaily
