By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Jan 5: The overwhelming support given by voters to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) during the 12th Sarawak Election has reflected the assurance and confidence of the people in the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to lead Sarawak towards a high-income economy by 2030, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He added the foresight, wisdom and judgement of Abang Johari has enabled the 12th Sarawak Election to be held smoothly despite the challenges of Covid-19 and uncertain weather conditions due to the monsoon season.
“GPS’ victory this PRN12 could not had been better without your ‘semangat yang tidak mengalah’ (spirit that never admit defeat) and your overwhelming support – tidak kira hujan atau panas, malam atau siang – kita sama sama ‘ke bukit sama di daki, ke lurah sama dituruni (no matter rain or shine, day or night, we go through challenges together).
“Thank you YAB, for your leadership, support, guidance and trust given throughout this election,” he said this during the appreciation dinner for GPS election machineries and election workers at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight.
Prior to the 12th Sarawak Election, Uggah said the chief minister has managed to convince and get the consent from Istana Negara through His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to end the Emergency Proclamation in Sarawak in November 2021 instead of February 2022.
With that, Sarawak was able to hold the 12th Sarawak Election in December to get a fresh mandate from the people.
At the same time, Uggah asserted that the judgement and decision made by Abang Johari was wise and fortunate.
He noted the 12th Sarawak Election was held just before the monsoon season arrived and before the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
For the results of the 12th Sarawak Election, Uggah said GPS has created history by winning 92.7 per cent or 76 out of the 82 seats in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN).
Uggah who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president noted that never before since Independence had a ruling party won with such a strong mandate and overwhelming support given by the voters.
Meanwhile, Uggah who is also GPS election director said the 12th Sarawak Election posed great challenges in terms of planning and preparation due to Covid-19 and uncertain weather conditions.
There were stringent health protocol standard operating procedures (SOP) needed to be adhered to during the election and the campaigning period.
Nevertheless, despite all the challenges and adversities encountered during the election, Uggah stressed that GPS won with flying colours.
Among those present were Abang Johari and wife Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and wife Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian and wife Datin Sri Enn Ong, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) acting president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum, Progressive Democatic Party (PDP) vice president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep as well as GPS elected representatives. — DayakDaily
