KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) can help stabilise the next federal government by winning all 31 parliamentary seats in Sarawak on Nov 19.
GPS chairman and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg called on Sarawakians to give the coalition their solid support so that Sarawak will have a stronger voice in Parliament.
He said this would enable Sarawak to assist in developing a prosperous Keluarga Malaysia for the future.
“Sarawak is very fortunate because we have a very stable government. I would like to thank the people for their support during the previous state election where GPS won 76 out of 82 seats.
“Now, we want a stable government at the federal level as well. Even though we do not have 222 seats, let our 31 seats strengthen the government at the federal level,” he said.
He was speaking during a ‘Bicara Hati Rakyat Bersama Abang Johari’ programme over TVS on Saturday night.
On Sarawak and Sabah reclaiming 35 per cent of parliamentary seats, Abang Johari reiterated that this is to safeguard the interests of the Borneo states.
He pointed out that both states must be given the power to safeguard their interests.
“We have achieved success where the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report have been included in the Federal Constitution.
“If we do not have the one-third representation in parliament, they (Peninsular Malaysia) can simply amend the Federal Constitution and perhaps the MA63 together with IGC would not have been recognised.
“As such, if we have the one-third representation, then they cannot simply amend the Federal Constitution without our consent,” he said.
Abang Johari expressed his appreciation to incumbents who have stepped down to give way for young candidates in the 15th general election (GE15).
Two of GPS young candidates in GE15 are Rodiyah Sapiee (44-year-old) for Batang Sadong and Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (37-year-old) for Batang Lupar.
“We are putting these young candidates in the political arena to fight with GPS for Sarawak’s rights and developments.
“They will be given the platform to garner experiences and knowledge so they can become one of the top leaders who will continue our aspirations beyond 2030,” he said.
