Abg Jo vows to thwart moves to break up GPS
MARUDI: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has vowed to defend Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) against what he called ‘hypocrites’ who pledge support for him but at the same time try to break apart the coalition.
In a highly-charged speech during the launching of Marudi Waterfront at Marudi Town Square yesterday, he said he is currently monitoring the situation and would take action against the perpetrators.
“Some people are saying ‘We are loyal to Abang Jo’. You cannot be loyal to me. You must be loyal to Sarawak. That is the first thing.
“In our party, we will have to check the good and bad. I will take time to evaluate and when the time comes, I will decide what we are going to do. But, (for now) we monitor. We don’t want termites in GPS,” he stressed.
Abang Johari, who did not specifically mention any particular group, added that if this group’s activities were left unchecked, it would bring down GPS as the group is alleged to be carrying out activities detrimental to the unity of the coalition.
Adding on, he said he would not be taking action based on emotion as he had no problem with those who disagree with him for the good of the party.
“You know my political career has spanned over 40 years. I will not jump at people who disagree with me. I am a party person. The party is more important than me.”
He went on to stress the need for unity within GPS in order for the coalition to be able to stand up for Sarawak’s rights, saying the presence of ‘termites’ would only jeopardise efforts to fight for Sarawak’s future.
“We don’t want termites in GPS. If you have termites, the whole house will fall down. The moment the house falls, that will mean the end of us.
“You cannot say ‘I support Abang Jo’ but at the same time, you try to pit people against each other in GPS. We cannot tolerate that.”
Meanwhile, in his speech earlier, Abang Johari said he was pleased to note that Marudi town is no longer isolated following the completion of the Miri-Marudi road.
He also believed the proposed waterfront project would further beautify the town’s landscape and insisted that the RM23 million project is a proof of GPS’ commitment to the people.
“The PH (Pakatan Harapan) government is ‘buruk siku’ – they approved the project but then (later) they cancelled it.
“If they want to cancel more projects, go ahead. We are no longer dependent on them to develop Sarawak,” he said, and cited the RM75-million Marudi Bridge as another cancelled federal government project which has been taken over by the Sarawak government.
“The federal government has no money. We have the money. In the past, we didn’t have access to our oil and gas money.”
He then showed the audience a piece of paper which he said was a list of development projects requested by the people of Baram, totaling about RM300 million.
“No problem; all approved. We have the money. We have the petroleum taxes money and that money would be used to improve the people’s living quality,” he said.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and PRS vice president Majang Renggi.