KUCHING, Nov 23: What happened to the ‘Sarawak First’ policy?’, Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi) questioned as it took Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to task for prioritising personal interests in supporting Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form the Federal government, instead of respecting mainstream wishes for a Pakatan Harapan (PH) administration.
Aspirasi president Lina Soo pointed out that Sarawak’s uniqueness stems from its pluralism, multiculturalism and harmony practiced since its genesis in 1841.
“To stray from this tower of strength towards a schismatic society divided by issues such as race and religion will bring conflict and discordance.
“Therefore, there must be no race and religion in Sarawak politics and government and it is for the government of the day to uphold this principle,” she said in a statement today, expressing shock over GPS’ decision in supporting PN to form the Federal government.
Soo reminded that a Sarawak First policy must put the interests of Sarawakians over and above party interests, which is to deliver development and security to the people.
“It seems that GPS has prioritised their personal interests over the wishes of the mainstream who are against a government who will pursue ideological interests over race and religion, rather than development and bread-and-butter issues,” she alleged.
The purpose of government, she emphasised, is to bring stability, development and economic progress.
“It is not the role of the government to promote different practices and versions of religious practices and promises of after-life heaven.
“The people are suffering now from the economic uncertainty and many challenges ahead. Supporting a Federal government which brings economic uncertainty is no good for the country as investors will flee and with businesses and jobs at risk, amidst a plunging stock market now,” she said.
With a broad survey showing that mainstream Sarawakians advocating a PH administration, Soo said the GPS administration and the party leaders who have been entrusted to make political decisions wisely for the future must consider the will and wishes of the people.
She thus urged GPS to support PH to form the government in line with the wishes and economic concerns of the people.
“Then, our people shall proceed on the healing process towards stability, certainty and security,” she added. — DayakDaily
