Abang Jo: PBB reviewing partnership with BN
KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) is reviewing its partnership with Barisan Nasional ( BN) and will come up with the “best solution in the best interest of Sarawak”.
Its president Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the decision on whether to stay or leave the coalition will be made after consulting the three other state BN component parties.
“We will review and we will consult our other state BN component parties. I have mentioned about the united coalition of Sarawak as our platform and we have to consult our Sarawak BN partners ( before we make any decision),” Abang Johari told a press conference after chairing PBB’s supreme council meeting at the party’s headquarters here yesterday.
He also asserted that the state’s interest will remain paramount in any move that PBB will take after the meeting with the other state BN parties – Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS), Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP).
“The interest is on Sarawak first,” he stressed.
The chief minister pointed out that the state BN component parties will “not be in haste” to make the decision as it already has its own government and, at the same time, “wants the dust to settle down” at the federal level.
“We don’t have to be in haste (to make the decision) because even the other side (federal government) has yet to settle down. We have just completed our general election. Let them settle down first,” he stressed.
On whether Sarawak will suffer without getting federal allocation as it is now an opposition state, Abang Johari stressed Sarawak should not be punished as allocation for all states in the federation is provided for under the Federal Constitution.
“That is their discretion but they have to observe the provision in the constitution. And because we are having a federal system, there is certain obligation on the part of the federal government to provide for the state,” he said.
On the so- called agreement offered by the state Pakatan Harapan ( PH) on devolution of power, he pointed out that Sarawak has its own government which does not have the obligation to deal with the state PH.
Prior to the 14th general election, state PH chairman Chong Chieng Jen had made the offer to the state government, but was snubbed.
Earlier, Abang Johari, reading a prepared text- of- speech, said PBB was committed to move forward on a strong united front in the full interest of the people in Sarawak.
“Sarawak has always been unique – rich in diversity, in culture, in tolerance – and we will continue to treasure and celebrate that uniqueness for our future generations in Sarawak.
“It has become the hallmark of our people’s daily existence and disposition that the country and the government should protect, promote and emulate in this dawn of a new Malaysia.
“PBB, being strategically and uniquely independent, continues to champion our cause for protecting Sarawak’s interests as a united coalition of Sarawakbased parties, which holds the hopes and dreams of our people to see a greater Sarawak.
“It is that greater purpose for Sarawak that shall continue to fuel our passion and drive to bring benefits to all Sarawakians,” he said.
Abang Johari also asserted that PBB will continue to enhance efforts to fulfil all its obligations and commitments to the people of Sarawak, with special attention and focus on addressing all the basic needs of people in the rural areas as its top priority.
“We will steadfastly consolidate all our strengths and resources as a responsible state government, to ensure that the concerns from people of Sarawak and their voices are deservedly represented,” he said.
He added that the state’s 19 members of parliament, of which 13 are from PBB, will ensure they will be an effective voice fighting for Sarawak’s interests in parliament.
“And they too are committed to ensure that the needs of the people of Sarawak will be supported by the present ruling government, in the interest of Malaysia as a whole.
“We will unwaveringly and relentlessly, without fear or favour, be a rational and responsible voice for Sarawak, providing efficient check and balance and as a body of trust for the people of Sarawak, based on the mandate given by the people in the 2016 state election. We believe the current government will welcome fresh, fair and balanced intellectual discourses in parliament in the interest of a new Malaysia.”
He added the state government is determined to pursue and ensure that its quest for devolution of powers from the federal government is mounted further, in an even stronger mode and effort.
“We will passionately continue to fight for Sarawak’s interests first, at all costs, and we will enhance all efforts to take back our infringed rights under MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963), the Federal Constitution and all relevant laws.
“We will, with full dedication, integrity and sincerity, continue to serve the people of Sarawak wholeheartedly to fulfil our promises in our 2016 state election manifesto.”