The Borneo Post

GPS assemblyme­n condemn racial politics to fish for votes

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KUCHING: Three Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) assemblyme­n have condemned continuous efforts by a candidate in the Betong parliament­ary constituen­cy who is allegedly using racial politics in his attempt to fish for votes among the Malay voters here.

Mohd Razi Sitam (Saribas), Datuk Ibrahim Baki (Satok) and Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (Tupong) joined GPS Betong candidate Dr Richard Rapu on his second and final campaignin­g rounds at Kampung Belingan and Kampung Sebemban in Spaoh here yesterday, speaking against the dangers of racial politics in a multiracia­l multirelig­ious society like Sarawak.

“We have multiracia­l leaders in GPS and they have not only compliment­ed but augmented each other’s efforts in nation building process perfectly. For Sarawak to continue developing, our unity, harmony and stability are the crucial prerequisi­tes,” said Ibrahim.

He added that exploiting racial issues was like playing with fire, saying: “When it gets out of control, it can be very disastrous.”

Meanwhile, Fazzrudin in his speech said there were about 30 different ethnic groups in Sarawak that have all been living together in perfect harmony and unity.

“But I am sad to note that there is a move to use racial issues in fishing for votes in Betong. This is not only irresponsi­ble but very dangerous too, as it can impact the people negatively.

“Let us all nip this in the bud. GPS will fight to the end any effort to wreck Sarawak racial and religious harmony and unity,” he said.

The trio also said although Betong parliament­ary constituen­cy consists of Layar, Bukit Saban and Saribas which have been traditiona­l fortresses for the government, they were not leaving anything to chance.

“As our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had said, he wants as many GPS representa­tives in parliament. We want to make sure this happens,” Ibrahim said.

There are about 200 longhouses and 24 Malay villages aside from a few Chinese households in the Betong parliament­ary constituen­cy.

Dr Richard will be facing Pakatan Harapan’s Patrick Kamis and independen­t candidate Hasbie Satar.

 ?? ?? Dr Richard (fourth left) with Ibrahim (third left) and Fazzruddin (right) shout the GPS war cry.
Dr Richard (fourth left) with Ibrahim (third left) and Fazzruddin (right) shout the GPS war cry.

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