KUCHING: Is Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is in danger of losing its independence now that it is among the signatories to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the federal unity government?
The question, according to Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, does not arise at all as the MoU is only meant to ensure a stable federal government.
“GPS is still GPS and is not part of Pakatan Harapan (PH),” he said.
“This government is not a PH federal government, but is a government formed by a collection of parties that share the same objective, which is to bring stability to the nation.
“At any time, should Sarawak rights be challenged or the status questioned and if Sarawak is not given its due, GPS has the right to pull its support for the unity government.”
If such a thing were to happen, he said GPS will not lose its MPs as the MPs had previously contested under the GPS banner.
And in the event that it leaves the unity government, the decision will be made as a bloc and not by individual MPs – this does not breach the Anti-Party Hopping Law, he added.
Having said that Fazzrudin hastened to acknowledge Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s support to resolving outstanding matters pertaining to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) which involve Sarawak and Sabah.
“Anwar has given the full mandate to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof for these outstanding MA63 claims to be resolved as soon as possible and we look forward to the restoration of Sarawak rights.
“We recognise that the unity government is made of up parties from Sarawak and Sabah and we believe that the inclusion of these parties – Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) along with GPS – reflects the inclusiveness of the current administration.
“This would bode well for the development of the two Borneo states in terms of infrastructure, facilities, economy, prosperity and sovereignty,” said Fazzrudin.
He reiterated that the MoU signed by all parties in government served to formalise the formation of the unity government led by Anwar until the end of the term.
“Among others, the MOU seeks to outline the commitment of the parties that form the unity government to protect the federal constitution, the Rukun Negara , separation of powers, good governance as well as equal status between Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.
“At the same time, it ensures that the unity government will be stable as parties in the government are bound to support the Prime Minister in the passing of Bills in parliament,” he said.
Fazzrudin who is also the chief political secretary to Premier pointed out that the MoU also allows the unity government to concentrate on policies that will restore the economy as well ensure the welfare of the people as Malaysia faces economic uncertainties similar to other countries worldwide.
