KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Abang Openg denied that the Barisan Nasional (BN) state government will join Pakatan Harapan (PH).
Asked by reporters on Sunday night after a function whether Sarawak BN would consider joining PH, Abang Johari replied: “No.”
“But we will have a sort of collaboration like what I said in my statement before this. Collaboration with the Federal government is because of the Federal system. So there must be certain collaborations,” he said, adding that as he had previously announced state projects would not be affected as they are funded by the state.
On other development projects, Abang Johari said, “I leave it to the Federal government, to be fair. Federal projects are subject to federal decisions. But as far as state projects (are concerned), we will proceed. We can use our own funds.”
Asked if Sarawak BN intends to be a strong opposition, he replied: “Not strong opposition. My first priority is Sarawak’s interest. That
is my first priority. Besides economic transformation, I also have the interest of Sarawak.
“I will continue with the mandate given to me, through Adenan (Satem),” he said, referring to the popular chief minister who passed away in January, 2017.
Last Friday, Malaysiakini reported that Sarawak governor Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud discussed plans to form a state-based coalition aligned to PH in a secret meeting with Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Dr Mahathir confirmed on Saturday that he had met Tun Taib Mahmud recently but did not elaborate on what was discussed. The meeting, which took place in Kuala Lumpur was also attended by former finance
Minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin.
“We meet a lot of people to gain an insight into their views. To find out what is beneficial for us and what is not beneficial and we will act accordingly,” Dr Mahathir told reporters.
Sarawak PH, pro-autonomy group Sarawak for Sarawakians, electoral reform watchdog Bersih 2.0 and several PH lawmakers have voice their opposition to an en masse defections by the Sarawak BN.Several leaders from PBB, Sarawak’s dominant BN component party have since denied plans to join PH.
