GRS, GPS to work together
KOTAKINABALU: Chief Minister and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor has agreed to further discuss the idea of joining forces with Sarawak in a Borneo bloc to support the federal government that can bring stability to the country and Sabah.
“I have just received a call from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and we currently see eye to eye on the idea of working together as a Borneo bloc to support the federal government that will benefit Sabah and Sarawak.
“We want a stable federal government and state government.
“As for the question of (which specific national political coalition) we will support, there needs to be further discussions. We cannot give an answer right now as we have yet to receive official results on all the seats.
“A statement on the ma er will be released a er results are out,” he said during a press conference at his official residence, Sri Gaya, here at around 1.20am on Saturday.
Also present was GRS secretary-general Masidi Manjun who stressed the importance of prioritizing Sabah.
“Overriding consideration is to ensure the best for Sabah. Any federal party that can offer us that will have to be seriously considered,” said Masidi.
The GRS-BN pact has won 13 out of 25 seats in Sabah. Warisan won three seats while Perikatan Nasional won one.
Meanwhile, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will work together with Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (BN) and GRS to form the next federal government, with PN chief Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the state coalition’s preferred prime minister.
Announcing the decision yesterday, Premier of Sarawak and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the coalition wanted a federal government that would be strong and stable to face the coming economic challenges, and at the same time, able to protect the well-being of the people, including their religious freedom.
“The world and our country will face the challenge of the economic crisis and the situation is expected to become more critical next year.
“In order to ensure that the well-being of the people is guaranteed and the economy of our country is preserved, a stable and strong government must be formed as soon as possible.
“With that, GPS has decided to form a coalition of PN, BN, GPS and GRS to form the new government,” he told a press conference at PBB headquarters in Kuching.
The Premier pointed out that the decision was made under factors that included for a stable and strong federationfor the sake of the people based on upholding the supremacy of the Federal Constitution, the Sarawak Constitution and the rule of law provided for in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Commi ee (IGC) Report.
“We will also uphold the right to freedom of religion and the practice of diverse customs and cultures in Sarawak as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, MA63 and the IGC Report,” he said.
Abang Johari also said Sarawak wanted devolution of power in terms of education and health development planning, as well as other ma ers of interest to Sarawak.
“Our main focus and responsibility now should be the stability of the country and the well-being of the people,” he stressed.
Abang Johari said at the moment, GPS had yet to sign any agreement on the pact for the coalition of parties.
“We shall see. As far as GPS is concerned, the items that we mentioned earlier are our conditions because I think forming a government now is more important.”
He said at this state of the current political situation, each party must have a side.
“In our view, PN, BN, as well as
GPS and GRS – the Borneo bloc – will support as I’ve said.
“From the moment the results have been announced, then we would support for a stable government. That is our condition,” said Abang Johari.
Asked if Muhyiddin had extended any offer to GPS including the post of deputy prime minister, Abang Johari said such ma er would be discussed later.
“At this time, we must prioritise our people – that is more important. Our country is more important.
“We had our election and the people have given the mandate, and now, it is our responsibility to form a federal government, based on the people’s mandate,” he said.
To a question on whether or not Pakatan Harapan (PH) chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had contacted him, Abang Johari quipped: “Everybody wants to see me.”
However, the Premier did not confirm whether or not he had met with Anwar, only saying that that Anwar had indeed sent a message to him.
Also present at the press conference were deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian, as well as Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar.
I have just received a call from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg and we currently see eye to eye on the idea of working together as a Borneo bloc to support the federal government that will benefit Sabah and Sarawak.
Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor