GPS MPs will not join BN shadow cabinet — Nanta
KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi affirms that GPS MPs will not join the Barisan Nasional ( BN) shadow cabinet.
Nanta said GPS MPs will set up their own shadow cabinet and hinted that it will be headed by Petra Jaya MP Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof being the whip for GPS MPs in Parliament.
He was responding to the recent announcement by Umno secretary- general Annuar Musa that the opposition coalition has finalised its shadow cabinet.
“GPS had met among ourselves in July, we discussed and decided on our own ‘shadow cabinet’ line up. We call it our ‘GPS Working Committee’ in the Dewan Rakyat.”
‘In fact Fadillah, who organised and chaired meeting in July had already announced this,” he said when contacted yesterday.
“On whether GPS is in the BN’s shadow cabinet line up or not, GPS feels that it does not really matter, because we will focus on, speak up and even act in howsoever is needed of us, so long as it is for the interest of our nation, state and our people, especially for Sarawakians’ interests “said Nanta who is Kapit MP.
BN shadow cabinet consists of MPs from Umno, MIC, MCA and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah ( PBRS). However Pekan MP who is former Malaysian premier and former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is not included.
Annuar said BN adopted a portfolio committee system (JKP), which sees at least two MPs assigned to each portfolio.
“The committee will play a ‘check-and-balance’ role for each ministry. It will serve as ‘policy watch’ and formulate alternative policies to compete with Pakatan Harapan,” said the Ketereh MP.
Annuar added that MPs from Gagasan Sabah and GPS are encouraged to join the committee.
He made no mention of PAS in his statement despite both parties having made overtures to each other, helped each other in recent by- elections and attended each other’s National Delegates meetings.