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KUCHING, July 15: Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) foundation is built with ‘kayu jati’ (teak) that is impervious to ‘anai-anai’ (termites)—what deadwood is Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian referring to?
The query was raised by Progress Democratic Party (PDP) deputy youth Yiak Chiong Wei who claimed that he did not expect the “seemingly inflammatory comments” from Dr Sim.
“I’m quite appalled by this statement. Whoever he is pointing this remark to, it reflects poorly on the progressiveness of GPS. Even YAB Premier (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) has expressed his openness to this collaboration if it means betterment for the people of Sarawak,” said Yiak in a statement today.
Yiak was responding to Dr Sim’s recent comment on the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between GPS component party PDP and local opposition party Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) on Thursday (July 13) in a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
Speaking to reporters after declaring open the 2023 Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) Friday evening (July 14), Dr Sim, who is Deputy Premier, said Sarawak is known for its stability, but the two political parties having a function in Kuala Lumpur was questionable.
He said the matter will be discussed tonight in line with the spirit of GPS.
“It’s not surprising because PSB has been sending signals to PRS (Parti Rakyat Sarawak), PDP even SUPP. A person’s character never changes like ‘anai-anai’ (termite). I don’t want to say more than that,” said Dr Sim on Friday.
Rebutting Dr Sim’s statement, Yiak said just because the signing ceremony was held in Kuala Lumpur, it did not equate to PDP’s unilateral involvement in West Malaysian politics.
“Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim has made an unruly assumption that has created dissension amongst the ranks of GPS, a political union renown for its unity,” said Yiak.
On the collaboration between PDP and PSB, he said this is still in the early stages of cooperation and discussion.
“We have never voiced our dissatisfaction and objection when Dato Sri Prof Dr Sim extended an open arm to UPP members back in 2018; perhaps he should respect our preliminary discussion with PSB. Why the animosity?”
He reminded SUPP that GPS is a political union consisting of four component parties, where PDP respects this union and is open to the input of other GPS component parties.
“However, don’t confuse our progressiveness as a lack of loyalty.”
“Secondly, GPS’s official slogan is ‘Sarawak First’. We should keep an open mind when it comes to what’s best for Sarawak. Even so, both PDP and PSB have conferred with YAB Premier before enacting any change. Where is the harm?”
“All parties are urged to calm down and before discussions can be concluded, stop with the callous spread of gossip and rumours.” — DayakDaily
