PSB may change support, analyst cautions GPS
KUCHING: A socio- political analyst has cautioned Gabungan Parti Sarawak ( GPS) that the ascension of Parti Sarawak Bersatu ( PSB) may change the political landscape in the run- up to the next state election.
Assoc Prof Awang Azman Awang Pawi yesterday said PSB, though a GPS- friendly party, may change direction before the next state polls because ‘they actually can do so’.
“GPS meanwhile has to be cautious as PSB can change direction ( or support) pursuant to the next state election. PSB is now seen as a pragmatic political party, therefore it can support either GPS or Pakatan Harapan ( PH) Sarawak. PSB too wants status and power depending very much on the status of GPS after the next state polls,” he said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur.
He said PSB in the current context is being seen as craving to be inside GPS based on their statement of support towards Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, delivered during the party’s major functions.
The existence of PSB is now undeniable in the context of GPS facing PH Sarawak one- on- one in the next state polls which may be called latest by the first quarter of 2021.
Awang Azman said PSB will be treated as a threat by at least three parties, taking into account the traditional seats they are now said to be holding.
“It cannot be denied also that PSB’s existence will be frowned upon by GPS component parties especially Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party ( PDP), making its entry into GPS difficult,” he said
“If the impasse besieging GPS cannot be solved in time, it may undermine the overall strength of GPS when GPS needs solidarity of members to win the state election against PH Sarawak as well as other parties outside GPS’ control,” he said.
PSB in the meantime is holding political rallies – the recent last two at Batang Ai and Engkilili.
With a new logo bearing a mountain and rising sun, it boasts of having 6,000 members in the Sri Aman division alone.
It also gained momentum with political bigwigs like Sri Aman MP Datuk Masir Kujat, former Selangau MP Datuk Joseph Entulu, former Lubok Antu MP Datuk William Nyallau, former Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entri Muran and former Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) president Banyi Beriak already joining it.
PSB is the new name of United People’s Party ( UPP) led by Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, the Bawang Assan assemblyman who already has the support of four other people’s elected representatives in Datuk Tiong Thai King ( Dudong), Datuk Dr Jerip Susil ( Mambong), Datuk Ranum Mina (Opar) and Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa ( Engkilili).
GPS was formed after Barisan Nasional’s defeat to PH in the May 9, 2018 parliamentary election. It maintains SUPP, PRS and PDP as partners with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) as the backbone.