MUKAH: It is assumed that the majority of Sarawakians would not accept Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in the local political scene.
Just like Umno before, Bersatu, which had just set up its Sarawak branch over the weekend, would get cold response from most Sarawakians.
This was an opinion expressed by Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Kpg Sau sub-branch chief Mazlan Abdullah yesterday.
“Sarawakians believe that only they and their political parties can better manage Sarawak. The rejection, as demonstrated by Sarawakians towards the many attempts by Umno to spread its wings to the state before, is a perfect example of Sarawakians’ attittude towards Malaya-based political parties that want to enter Sarawak,” he said.
‘To me, GPS is the right party to govern Sarawak and its people as its components are all local-based and they are well-versed on the state’s needs’.
This was despite Umno being the backbone of the BN-led Federal Government and the Sarawak state government then was also part of the big BN family, he recalled.
Umno made several attempts to penetrate Sarawak but were thwarted by the state BN component parties.
Hence, Mazlan was confident that Bersatu would likewise be rejected.
“The cold reception accorded to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Bersatu chairman, during the launch of Sarawak Bersatu branch in Bintulu last Saturday is yet another clear signal,” he said.
He argued that the rather low turnout of supporters who welcomed the prime minister at Bintulu Airport and at Bintulu Civic Centre was a strong indication that Bersatu is not accepted by the locals.
He did not deny that the party was able to attract members from some locals, but stressed that the number was “a small fraction of the overall population”.
“To me, GPS is the right party to govern Sarawak and its people as its components are all local-based and they are well-versed on the state’s needs,” he said.
Thus he appealed to Sarawak voters to continuously trust GPS which is more independent when making decisions for the good of the state.
“Before this, the state government had many constraints because it was part of the ruling Barisan Nasional,” he said.
“We cannot gamble with our state by supporting a new party especially one from outside. Just like in a family, only the members know what’s best for them.”
