Masing calls on PH Sarawak to team up with state BN for better deal

KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing has suggested that Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sarawak join forces with the state Barisan Nasional (BN) in order to get the maximum 31 seats which would enable Sarawak to demand for better deals with the federal government.

“I don’t think Putrajaya will fall to the opposition (in the coming general election).

“So if PH is thinking of linking with BN Sarawak after GE14, why not we get together now and don’t waste our time, energy, emotion and resources fighting with friends who share common interests,” Masing told reporters after the launching of the state BN manifesto at PBB headquarters here yesterday.

He added that since DAP Sarawak objected to using PKR’s logo, which the DAP in Peninsular Malaysia will be using for GE14, DAP Sarawak should then opt to join the state BN instead.

“After all, we share common interests and objectives – the betterment of all Sarawakians. After all, PH in the peninsula has objectives which differ from DAP Sarawak.”

The deputy chief minister was responding to PH Sarawak’s suggestion on the so- called ‘New Deal Agreement’ to be inked between itself and BN Sarawak to pave way for the devolution of power to the state, in the event that PH takes over as the next federal government.

Its chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the coming election is a general election which does not include the Sarawak state election, and that Sarawak will continue to be ruled by the state BN even if PH marches into Putrajaya.

On the state BN manifesto, Masing said it complemented the national manifesto and was well-thought off to ensure all Sarawakians will benefit.

Meanwhile, PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing was confident that the issue of Unified Examination Certificate ( UEC) would be resolved as the government has realised the importance of Mandarin.

“I believed the issue of UEC will be resolved by all parties in due time because now, more and more Bumiputera students are studying in Chinese schools,” said the Bintulu incumbent.