‘Formation of GPS to ensure Sarawak continues to progress’

MIRI: The format ion o f Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) by state leaders after the 14th general election (GE14) is in line with the Sarawak government’s determination to ensure the state continues to move forward and progress, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

GPS is presently made up of four former Sarawak Barisan Nasional ( BN) component parties – Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP). They remain as the state government in Sarawak despite being in the opposition at the federal level.

“After going through various past experiences, the best option is for us to form the Gabungan Parti Sarawak so that we would be able to defend the rights and interests of Sarawak.

“We must make sure that Sarawak remains developed, united and remains in the hands of Sarawakians so that all our assets and everything will be for the benefit of Sarawakians.

“GPS as the state government is determined to safeguard Sarawak’s land because in Sarawak we were born, here we live and here we will return,” Uggah said when officiating at the Mardi Gras Lambir at SK Lambir football field here recently.

According to Uggah, much has been done since Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg took office as chief minister, which included the approval of Sarawak Oil Mining Ordinance ( OMO) to determine that the state’s oil and gas are explored, controlled and owned by the people of Sarawak.

“Therefore, we do not want to argue with Chong ( state PH chairman Chong Chieng Jen), because we are not only asking for royalty but we are asking for all the rights to oil and gas through OMO,” said Uggah.

Secondly, the state government had determined that the Iban custom of ‘ Pemakai Menua’ and ‘Pulau Galau’ (communal domain and forest reserves, respectively) on land have the force of law and the law had been passed, he added.

“This shows how courageous he (Abang Jo) is to solve our land problems in Sarawak today.”

Uggah also said in a period of over a year after taking office, Abang Johari had also approved projects worth RM5.5 billion in the state.

“We are able to do this because we are united and because we rule the state,” he said.

He reassured the people that GPS will ensure that development programmes including those in rural areas will continue, as the state is helmed by a highly capable leader who is also very inclusive in his development philosophy.

“We also have reliable resources and are determined for Sarawak to move forward.

“We will make sure whatever happens, Sarawak will continue with our development programme and we can implement our programme,” he added.

Also present were former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Miri mayor Adam Yii and event organising chairman Pemanca Wilson Siang.