GPS needs to learn from past mistakes to remain politically relevant – Political analyst

KUCHING: A political analyst opines that the newlyformed Gabungan Parti Sarawak ( GPS) must learn from past mistakes and improve the shortcomings of the Barisan Nasional ( BN) in order to remain relevant in politics.

Assoc Prof Dr Jeniri Amir of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak ( Unimas) says the move by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP) to dump BN and set up GPS is ‘ not at all surprising’.

“The Sarawak BN could no longer be together with the federal BN coalition as the latter is now besieged by scandals and problems resulting from its defeat in the general election.

“Therefore, Sarawak BN has to look for a new platform and change its aspirations before facing the people of in the next Sarawak election,” he said when contacted yesterday.

Jeniri added that the move to form GPS would also allow the four component parties to continue their struggles through working together with the federal government.

GPS, he pointed out, must not just engage in rebranding, but must also change its philosophy and struggles in order to appeal to Sarawakians and retain their support.

“The transformation must be holistic and it must be more people- friendly than before,” said Jeniri.