GPS must depart from old ways of doing things — Lee

MIRI: The present ruling coalition of Sarawak must depart from the old ways of doing things, as Sarawak strives to further strengthen the integrity and practices in governance, as well as to bring about greater efficiency, effectiveness and productivity in serving the people.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which was formed about a month after the 14th general election (GE14) on May 9 last year, comprises four homegrown political parties — Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

All four were under Barisan Nasional (BN) prior to GE14.

“The formation of GPS marked a new chapter in the political development of Sarawak. GPS is an independent entity. For the first time in 55 years, we’re no longer directly under or linked to any national coalition party.

“Our GPS government is able to make policies, decisions and plans without having to be influenced by or listen to the BN leadership at national level, unlike it was in the past. Under the leadership of Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg), the GPS-led Sarawak government is able to introduce a number of changes in policies. As a (part of a) Sarawak party, we will do our utmost best to deliver whatever mandate that is given (to us) by Sarawakians,” Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Lee Kim Shin spoke at the ‘GPS Rally’ at Miri Civic Centre on Friday night.

Adding on, he also believed that the Sarawak government would need to come up with a blueprint slated for implementing more pragmatic and people-centric policies and services, promoting economic growth, providing more social amenities, providing more affordable housing, as well as creating more business and job opportunities to raise the income level of the people and uplift their standard of living.

Lee, who is also SUPP vicepresident, said as an ‘Anak Sarawak’ (Children of Sarawak) political entity, the focus must be on ‘Sarawak First’.