‘GPS to partner PN, BN, GRS’
Abg Johari: Stable govt needed to face expected recession next year
KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will work together with Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (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 here.
The Premier pointed out that the decision was made under factors that included for a stable and strong federation for 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 Commitee (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, he said such ma er would be discussed later.
“We will have recession next year, you know. 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 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 Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar.
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.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg