Any delay in promoting GPS will have adverse effects, says analyst
KUCHING: Getting out of Barisan National (BN) was not difficult but will it be easy to market and sell Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to the people of Sarawak?
And can Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), under GPS, get the new alliance to be accepted by Sarawak voters before the next state election in 2021?
These are the questions raised by many although Sarawakians at large understood why PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP severed ties with BN, according to political analyst Datuk Peter Minos.
“People saw no point and no use keeping company with BN, especially Umno, after both were rejected by Malaysians and after the revelations of alleged misdeeds, abuses of power and many wrongdoings,” he said.
According to Minos, there were feelings of disgust towards BN by Malaysians and that included Sarawakians.
“Confidence and respect for BN have dissipated.
“Thus, running away from BN by any right-thinking Malaysian was expected, even awaited,” he said, adding that PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP did the right thing.
Minos said it was time to get GPS and its cause and objectives fully accepted by Sarawakians as well as get its symbols and designs in the minds of Sarawakians, and erase the negative memories of BN.
“Not very easy but can and must be done, the sooner the better.
“Delay in getting GPS legally registered and delay in launching and promoting the GPS idea and concept will see coldness to the whole thing,” said Minos, who is also Kota Samarahan Municipal Council chairman and former PBB deputy publicity chief. He said it would be a great move and a great way of introducing GPS to Sarawakians if it was officially launched by GPS leaders by simultaneously declaring that they would vigorously and steadfastly continue the fight for the full return of Sarawak power and rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 the soonest, and by a certain date.
They should also declare that Sarawak’s oil and gas resources be returned back to Sarawak by July 1, as previously agreed.
He said other important issues like solving Native Customary Rights land matters, providing basic facilities and utilities to poor rural folk, generating jobs and incomes, creating businesses all over, reverting to the English language and improving education must follow.
“I think GPS will then get a good start and make an impact with the above.
“All the best wishes and good luck to GPS.
“GPS must succeed for the sake of Sarawak and its people,” he added.