By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Jan 11: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has reaffirmed its resolution to fight for and to safeguard Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu reiterated that GPS was a coalition that puts Sarawak first, where its four Sarawak-based component parties had forged a unified effort to fight for the state’s rights.
“We must stand firm and cannot allow others to invade our state,” he said at the GPS Flag Rally gathering before kicking off their nine-day convoy of vehicles from Lawas today.
Gerald, who is Layar assemblyman, also reminded that Sarawak’s future lay in the hands of Sarawakians and their actions today would guide and ensure a strong future.
“We are no longer with Barisan Nasional (BN), and we have our own entity called GPS. The launching of GPS’ logo and song by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg recently opened a new chapter for Sarawak,” he said when introducing the new GPS’ hornbill logo to Lawas folk.
Gerald is leading the GPS Flag Rally convoy starting from the state’s northern tip of Lawas all the way to the state capital, making stops at each division.
At the gathering, Gerald handed over the flag to Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong as well as representatives of PBB, Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) of Lawas Zone.
Henry stressed that Sarawak could not afford to lose anymore, and they were ready to fight with all their might to reclaim Sarawak’s rights.
“GPS is a strong party and they are doing their part to fight for Sarawak’s rights. So, our role as the citizens is to give our fullest support to them,” he urged.
On the first day from Lawas today, they headed to Limbang through Brunei and is spending a night in Miri.
At Limbang, the troop observed a minute of silence in memory of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem. Today (Jan 11) marked the third anniversary of the passing of Tok Nan, which he was fondly known.
The flag rally gathering at Limbang, which was attended by some 800 people, also witnessed the handing over of the flag to Assistant Minister of Agriculture cum Bukit Kota assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail.
Tomorrow, the troop will head towards Bekenu, Bintulu and Mukah. This will be followed by Selangau and Sibu (Day 3) followed by Kanowit and Kapit (Day 4); Sarikei and Betong (Day 5); Sri Aman, Balai Ringin and Serian (Day 6); Siburan, Bau, Lundu and returning to Batu Kawah in Kuching (Day 7) before heading to Sadong Jaya and Kota Samarahan (Day 8) on Jan 18.
The programme at every stop will involve a meeting and gathering with the respective GPS branch committee members, including the Women’s and Youth wings.
The entire event will wrap up with the launching of GPS by Abang Johari on Jan 19. Some 8,000 members from GPS coalition partners are expected to participate in the official launching at Stadium Perpaduan here. — DayakDaily
