LOCAL GOVERNMENT SYSTEM
MIRI: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government will defend the sanctity of its local government system which has been in existence and recognised since the Brooke and Colonial era.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg assured that any attempt by lawmakers from Malaya to interfere with the system would not be allowed.
“Our system and structures are different from theirs, they certainly can’t meddle with ours (system), GPS will not allow it.”
He noted that Pakatan Harapan federal government then had attempted to intervene in Sarawak’s local government administration via the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) despite local resistance.
“They must bear in mind that our administration structures are far different from what they have in Semenanjung,” he pointed out.
“Even during the Brooke era, Rajah (Brooke) himself had never interfered with the system, he even recognised the system,” he explained.
Abang Johari disclosed this at the presentation of land titles under Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code in Miri today
Hence, Sarawakians must stand united to defend their rights together with GPS, he said.
He disclosed that when the PH federal government collapsed, Istana Negara had called him asking for GPS’s decision, which played a crucial role to determine Malaysia’s next prime minister.
“That shows how we (Sarawak) play a crucial role in Malaysia,” he said.
