KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) need not give up the Puncak Borneo parliamentary seat in the upcoming 15th general election.
This follows Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s recent announcement that GPS will contest all 31 seats in Sarawak, hence barring Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) to defend the seat.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to experts and political analysts about whether GPS should allow Willie Mongin, the Federal Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, to contest under the Bersatu ticket.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Leadership and Development), Professor Datuk Mohd Fadzil Abdul Rahman, stated that GPS would only want its coalition members to run the state, which Abang Johari has made clear.
“It defeats the purpose of having a Sarawak state-based party such as GPS, the voters are also in favor of the current state government too.
“GPS wants it to be solely for GPS members, as they have already promised the voters.”
Associate Professor at Universiti Malaya, Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said; “With what the Sarawak Premier has mentioned, I’ll assume that Willie’s seat will be contested by GPS, especially by Parti Persaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).”
“This is due to the fact that GPS has already chosen their own candidates, so Willie’s use of the Bersatu chair or the GPS ticket is irrelevant.”
He went on to say that allowing Bersatu to run under their banner would make GPS and its leadership appear weak and indecisive.
“This is because GPS has stated that only Sarawak parties are aware of Sarawakian sentiments and needs.”
He added that GPS was already set on portraying a positive landscape for Sarawak politics.
Meanwhile political analyst and senior lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr Lee Kuok Tiung pointed out that GPS shouldn’t give away seats, citing any ‘GPS plus’ or ‘GPS friendly’ concept will fail.
“Sarawak should only be governed by Sarawak parties, no to Bersatu in Sarawak, no Peninsula party.
“We must remember that GPS is a Sarawak-based party that exists solely for Sarawak local parties, so spoiling it over one or two Bersatu members is pointless.”
He went on to say that after all Bersatu never won any seats in Sarawak and those were just ‘frogs’ hopping from other parties.
Asia Institute of Tasmania, Professor Dr James Chin opined that there are no seats available for Bersatu or anyone outside of GPS. He did, however, mentioned that Ali Biju or Willie could join GPS or one of the GPS component parties.
“So, I’m assuming that the option is still open, but the idea is that GPS made it clear that they will not be allowing non-GPS or Peninsula parties to come into Sarawak, it’s very straightforward” he explained.
