GPS open to all, says SUPP president
KUCHING: Anyone or any party, who is genuinely sincere and has similar interests with the newlyformed Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), is welcome to join the Sarawak-based coalition through any of its member parties.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said this when asked on the possibility of United People’s Party ( UPP) joining the new coalition comprising former Barisan Nasional ( BN) Sarawak component parties – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) of which Dr Sim is the president, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
“The basic structure is still being observed, which emphasises pro- component parties. We have always said that anyone who shares the same interests and has the same vision for an autonomous Sarawak is welcome to join GPS, not only UPP,” he said when met at PBB headquarters here yesterday.
Dr Sim said while respecting that the memorandum of understanding ( MoU) between SUPP and UPP is still being implemented, Sarawak also needs to be united more than before.
“What Sarawak needs now is stronger unity. This ( GPS) is just the first stage of the four component parties. Who knows in the future, we may progress to just one structure. Unity is not having many parties but everybody together. This is our first step.”
Dr Sim also said while upholding SUPP’s principle to put Sarawak and Sarawakians first, it is timely to think about forging and building a very strong Sarawak.
“Our four component parties are just the beginning, we believe we can evolve into one single unity but of what shape, I don’t know yet. UPP and SUPP have a long history and the decision is depending on what UPP wants to do, the invitation is always there.
“Anyway, we need to finalise and formalise the bolts and nuts of the new coalition first and most importantly, come up quickly with people-centric policies focusing on Sarawakians first,” he added.
That being said, Dr Sim urged Pakatan Harapan ( PH) Sarawak component parties to state their stand when it comes to Sarawak’s interests.
“Do they still need to refer back to their party boss in West Malaysia? And if their boss said no, are they going to break from them? Then are they going to join us?” he questioned.
Dr Sim further assured all that SUPP would continue its effort in bringing everybody together and to persevere in pursuing what Sarawak has lost over the years.
“What we have lost over the years, whether intentionally or unintentionally, knowingly or not knowingly, (is) perhaps due to some circumstances that we were not aware of, but with whatever we know now, we’re as guilty as those who had unintentionally and not knowingly lost it ( Sarawak’s rights) — if we don’t fight for it now and don’t do anything to rectify it,” he said.