PN Sarawak appreciates GPS continuous support for Muhyiddin, federal govt
KUCHING: Perikatan Nasional (PN) Sarawak is appreciative of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)’s continuous support for the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin-led PN federal government.
In a statement yesterday, PN Sarawak chairman Senator Jaziri Alkaf A Suffian said he would like to thank Chief Minister and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for publicly stating GPS’ backing for Muhyiddin.
“He (Abang Johari) made a very appropriate view, focusing on the people and not politicking as this is a time when all efforts should go into managing the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I strongly agree with him that this is the time for us to save and develop the country, and not the right time for politicking, which can disrupt the administration now already burdened by the pandemic,” he added.
Jaziri, who is also Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sarawak chief, said the support by GPS for Muhyiddin as Prime Minister was very significant as it showed ‘sincerity and loyalty
as a friend’. He added that this was crucial for the country in strengthening political stability and dealing with the pandemic.
“What is most important is the interest and welfare of the community. We should make them as priority since many are being increasingly burdened and pressured by this pandemic. Vaccination programmes must be prioritised to enable us all could return to life as usual.
“I would also like to congratulate the Sarawak state government for their very good efforts in the implementation of vaccination programmes, especially in rural areas, which are quite effective,” he said.
Jaziri said Malaysia already had its pandemic exit strategy in the National Recovery Plan (NRP) and it would be the role of everyone at all levels to ensure its success.
“All members of Parliament need to be mature and united in helping the country out of the Covid-19 crisis, and not get caught up in the current political turmoil that would only cause further resentment among the people, particularly those who are adversely affected by this pandemic.
“Therefore, it is a priority for now to focus on solving the problems faced by the people, as well as redeveloping the country’s economy affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had, in a statement on July 7, announced that the party was withdrawing and terminating its support for Muhyiddin as the Prime Minister with immediate effect.
On July 10, Abang Johari told a press conference after a GPS supreme council meeting, that the state’s ruling coalition would continue to back the PN government led by Muhyiddin.
Abang Johari was quoted as saying that this was the consensus reached by all four component parties.
“GPS wishes to state that it is supporting the Perikatan government under the leadership of Muhyiddin.
“This is not the time for politicking that could undermine the stability of the country.
“This is the time for Malaysians to consolidate and unite to bring the country out of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis,” he had said.
Abang Johari, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, said these were the two main stands made by GPS at the meeting, which discussed the current political situation and the pandemic in the country.
GPS comprises PBB, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
The coalition, which has 18 MPs, has been supporting Muhyiddin as Prime Minister since he came into the position last year.