GPS has Sarawakians’ trust, not Bersatu, says Snowdan
KAPIT: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia ( Bersatu) poses no real threat to the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak ( GPS) coalition as the people trust and have confidence in the current Sarawak government.
Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan who said this feels that the consensus on the ground that only local-based parties will be able to fight to regain the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 ( MA63), favours the current state administration.
“From the feedback gathered and from reactions on social media, I think the launching of Bersatu in Sarawak is not a real threat to GPS. The people now have confidence in GPS – more so after the Registrar of Societies approved its registration,” he said when met by reporters here on Sunday.
Snowdan, who officiated at the closing of the 14th Sarawak Indoor Archery Competition in Kapit Indoor Stadium, highlighted that Bersatu is nothing but a ‘ new version’ of Umno, as many of its members – including Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin – were former Umno members.
He also termed Bersatu as a ‘ small’ party in Peninsular Malaysia, hence the party’s decision to spread its wings to Sarawak in the hope of boosting its membership for it to have more clout in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
“Based from a video clip I watched of Bersatu’s launching in Bintulu, it was not a grand occasion judging by the attendance.
“The number of empty seats is an indication the party is not really welcomed in Bintulu. My guess on Bintulu being chosen (for the launching) is that it is the hub of ‘black gold’ – oil and gas – and where many large industries are located.”
When asked on GPS’ confidence in facing the 2021 state election, Snowdan said the coalition will be going all out and will definitely not underestimate the threat posed by PH.
“In 2016, we won 72 out of 82 seats under former chief minister Tok Nan (the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem). The main factor was the strong local sentiment.
“As I said, people now realise that their rights have been eroded by the federal government, and want GPS to take it back as enshrined under MA63.”