‘Yes, GPS met with Dr Mahathir but…’

by Karen Bong

KUCHING, Aug 1: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg confirmed that a group from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) went to see Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad recently after receiving an invitation from the Prime Minister.

“But it was nothing,” he told reporters when met after officiating at the 31th Anniversary celebration of Kuching City Day held at the Islamic Complex here today.

Asked to confirm if the GPS representatives indicated their support for Dr Mahathir to stay the full term, he replied: “I don’t know as I was not there.”

But he later said “maybe” after being informed that Dr Mahathir has confirmed that a group of Opposition politicians including from GPS met with him two days ago to pledge their support for him to complete the full term as premier.

When pressed further to elaborate, he added: “I was aware about the meeting but did not know what transpired from there.”

Abang Johari also emphasised that the meeting should not be construed to indicate Sarawak’s involvement in Malaysia’s prime minister succession matters.

A national daily which reported on the meeting also reported that the Opposition representatives urged Dr Mahathir to stay for the full term.

The Opposition leaders in attendance at the meeting were said to include former Umno vice-president and defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, PAS vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Samsuri Ahmad Mokhtar, PAS secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan and GPS chief whip Datuk Fadillah Yusof. — DayakDaily