By Mohd Naseer Salleh
Malaysia has had three prime ministers in three years between 2018 and 2021. Previously, the country had six in six decades.
So, what changed? The political instability is due to having weak successive governments and a divided electorate.
Despite the changes of government at the federal level, Sarawak has remained politically stable.
The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition comprising Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) was formed soon after Barisan Nasional’s defeat in the 2018 general election.
GPS under the stewardship of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has the vision to administer and develop Sarawak according to its own mould without being tied to any political alliance at the federal level in making decisions in the interest of Sarawak.
It is able to create competent leadership with extensive experience and able to work as a team as well as ensure that the coalition is represented by every race and religion and inclusive to ensure the interests of all citizens.
With the stability in Sarawak, it culminated in the state coalition being a kingmaker for Putrajaya, ending the political quagmire in February 2020 and August 2021.
The political stability enjoyed in the state has enabled the GPS government to focus on implementing people-centric initiatives and policies.
Among the notable approaches introduced were the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which is the roadmap for Sarawak’s development towards a developed state status in 2030.
During the advent of COVID-19, the Sarawak government also issued a number of assistances under the Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) packages that benefited all layers of society in the state. While Putrajaya has made efforts to win the hearts and minds of the people, with the instability in Malaya, it has affected the viability of long-term plans for the nation.
