By Nigel Edgar
KUCHING, Jan 20: The state, under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government, now possess the freedom to take charge of its own administration without needing consent from Putrajaya.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the decision to leave Barisan Nasional following its downfall after GE14 means that Sarawak is free to take charge of itself following 55 years of being bounded by the federal government.
“Now Sarawak can determine its own fate under the new GPS coallition made up of four Sarawak-based parties namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and SUPP.
“It is time for Sarawak to take charge of its own administration. We now determine what is best for the state without needing to worry about what West Malaysia thinks. After all, these peninsula-based parties, their priority is not necessarily what’s best in the interest of Sarawak.
“We have had enough. After 55 years, we don’t want to ‘tengok saja’ (only look). No more, ‘cukup’ (enough),” he said at the launching of GPS at Stadium Perpaduan on Saturday (Jan 19).
Dr Sim pointed out that GPS, when fighting to regain the state rights through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), is not only based on the voice of the state leaders but also the people.
Under the MA63, he reminded it is Sarawak rights to do whatever it wanted with its natural resources including oil and gas, which included the imposing of five per cent sales tax on petroleum products.
“We need to look after ourselves. Sarawakians need to look after Sarawak. Revenue from the five per cent sales tax would enable our chief minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) build roads and bridges.
“We can build better facilities such as schools and hospitals for Sarawakians. After 55 years, we must take charge. No more begging,” he said.
Dr Sim also took a swipe at the federal government for giving excuses, when it comes to looking after the interest of the Sarawak, such as providing funds to maintain federal roads across the state. — DayakDaily
