‘Talk of MPs, reps quitting GPS created by Pribumi’
KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Corporate Affairs Abdullah Saidol believes the rumour that nine Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) elected representatives - six MPs and three assemblymen – will quit the coalition was created by those calling themselves members of Parti Pribumi Sarawak (Pribumi).
Abdullah said after he was aware of the rumour, he immediately did a little investigation into it himself.
“Yes, I’m aware about the rumour. But from basic information that I gathered, I can only treat this speculation as frivolous and a hollow political attempt to create suspicion and uneasiness within GPS,” he said through a statement yesterday.
“Let’s go through the sequence of events which I hope at the end of it will diminish any credibility on this speculation. It all started when somebody posted on FB saying that few MPs from GPS will exit,” he said.
On Aug 5, a person by the name of Johan Mohamed, introducing himself as ‘Pengerusi Penaja Parti Peribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sarawak’, said they were not aware about the move and the speculation did not come from them (Bersatu Sarawak), said Abdullah.
“He (Johan) further said that perhaps the rumour was created by Parti Pribumi Sarawak (Pribumi). Johan also stressed that Bersatu never had any collaboration with Pribumi,” he said.
“Then on Aug 6, I read a press statement issued by Dato Dr Shahruddin, secretary general of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu Malaysia) and he stressed that their Supreme Council has not approved anything yet about setting up branches in Sarawak. They are still considering it.
“I will not mention the name, but one of the MPs from GPS when asked about this speculation responded: ‘If exit from GPS, then join who? This rumour is absolutely ridiculous and absurd.’ Contrary to all those negative feelings and speculation about things happening in GPS, in actual fact, senior leaders including all members in GPS are eager and excited about preparing ourselves for the day when we celebrate the official launching of GPS. Sorry, I’m not authorised to divulge the date,” said Abdullah.
“Rest assured, it’s going to be a glorious and historical moment for every member of GPS throughout Sarawak where we in GPS will enter the dawn of a solidly united Sarawak-based party coalition, undertaking a more progressive political direction and philosophy,” he added.
He stressed that all state assemblypersons and MPs as well as party leaders from GPS are currently showing “hard-rock” determination to protect Sarawak’s interest and most importantly, aiming to deliver the much-desired prosperity to all Sarawakians.
“We in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) including our comrades in GPS are aware of the challenges in facing the next state election. YAB Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wants all state representatives ( YBs) to fully understand the state policies and political directions of GPS. Once GPS is officially launched soon, YAB CM wants every YB in GPS to act immediately and aggressively go to the grassroots to explain our stance and position,” he said.
Whilst political debate is unavoidable, Abang Johari wants every GPS elected representative to concentrate on various developments and swiftly act in handling all issues in their respective constituencies, he added.
“Delivery of people- centric projects and socio- economy programmes are pertinent and we will also closely monitor every single promise made by Pakatan Harapan during the last PRU14 (14th general election),” he stressed.