KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has hit out at Democratic Action Party (DAP) over accusation that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was joining the new Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition.
Uggah, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said the accusation smacked of double standards.
“GPS was only co-operating with the new PN government, not joining them.
“DAP is already accusing us of joining hands with PAS which is in the PN government. But DAP now works with Parti Amanah Negara which is a splinter party of PAS…so why the double standard?” he pointed out.
Stressing that GPS was no longer supporting the Barisan Nasional, Uggah said it was necessary for all Sarawakians, especially elderly rural folks, to realise that GPS was the only state government that formed Unifor (Unit for Other Religions) to assist all non-Muslims.
“This year, for instance, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg allocated a budget of RM50mil to Unifor to help in the physical development of the various houses of worship in the state.
“We need to tell especially our elderly rural folks that our Kenyalang symbol with the letters GPS underneath it, which we are likely to use in the ballot paper, shows GPS is not joining any other party,” he said.
Uggh added that GPS was not like any other party which was likely to use religious sentiments for political interests.
“Sarawak had never had any religious or racial conflict and GPS is strongly against all forms of religious and racial extremisms.
“Why is it that now some people are turning to exploit racial or religious sentiments to suit obviously their own convenience? Why do they have to pit one race or one against the others? We in GPS would never oppress or suppress other religions,” he added.
Calling on the community to preserve and nurture the existing racial and religious harmony, Uggah urged Sarawakians to prepare for the coming state election.
