KUCHING: The year 2020 will be momentous but highly challenging for Sarawak and its people.
Political commentator Datuk Peter Minos said Pakatan Harapan (PH) government will use every means and tactic to undermine the GPS Sarawak government, hoping it will eventually fall and Putrajaya will then take over.
“It is tough life for Sarawak in 2019 and will be even tougher in 2020. I hope I am wrong but I must say it will be a hard and difficult time for Sarawak and Sarawakians in 2020 because the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government will continue to be unfriendly and hostile to Sarawak,” he added.
Minos believed development funds from Putrajaya would not be forthcoming, pointing out that even the funds for already approved projects had been cut.
“Thanks to a steady leader in Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and the state’s robust economy, Sarawak can stand on its own feet,” he said.
Minos said the harder the PH government presses and pressures Sarawak, the more determined Sarawakians are standing behind their leaders.
He believed that outsiders could not and would not be able to extinguish the ‘Sarawak first’ spirit among Sarawakians.
“It is too ingrained and too imbedded amongst Sarawakians.
“In all honesty, Malaysia is a good and fine nation except for the PH government, which is treating Sarawak shabbily and unfairly for odd reasons and making Sarawakians feel unhappy with Putrajaya,” Minos said.
He said the PH government was making life tough and difficult for all Malaysians, including Sarawakians, adding that the high and rising cost of living has remained unsolved.
“Excuses upon excuses are made to cover weaknesses and failures.
“PH has failed to improve the national economy, always using the excuse of legacy issues and the past,” said Minos, adding that PH has failed in coming out with workable and practical ideas and solutions as its members are too busy with politicking and squabbling among themselves.
On race relations, Minos said something seemed to be wrong when verbal clashes between the races on racial and religious issues appeared to go unabated.
“There are definitely some ill- feelings amongst the races but the PH government seems unconcerned and is not taking the necessary action to solve matters.
“Luckily, in Sarawak, the races stay steady and united and do not allow racial and religious problems in Malaya to affect or bother them,” he added.
If worse comes to worst, and if political and other problems in Malaya get too unbearable, Minos predicted that Sarawak may go to the polls in 2020 to ensure stability and unity among Sarawakians.
He said if the PH government continues to treat Sarawak with hostility, the state government would have no choice but to seek Sarawakians’ mandate to rule to ensure that the state continues to be stable and the people united.
