KAPIT: The arrival of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Flag Rally 2019 convoy led by Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu received a rousing welcome by more than one thousand members of GPS component parties namely PBB, PRS, SUPP and PDP when the express boat from Kanowit arrived at Express Wharf Terminal here at about 3pm on Monday.
Members of Kelab Gagung Sarawak dressed in their full Iban ceremonial warrior’s costumes, traditional Iban “taboh” team, Lions Dance Troupe and Malay “kompang” group were also in the welcoming party.
Later in the evening the convoy proceeded to Rumah Edison Bugap at Jalan Melekun, Baleh here for the official launching of the GPS flag rally.
In his speech at the launch in Rumah Edison Bugap, Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu said that the “GPS Flag Rally 2019” was meant to inform Sarawakians that a home based political coalition called GPS was formed soon after the 14th General Election on May 9, 2018 to look after the development and to safeguard Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Rentap who is also PBB Youth chief and head of GPS Flag Rally 2019 pointed out that 55 years ago when Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya formed Malaysia as equal partners we were governed by Malaya-based political parties (BN).
“What happened all those years was that we were lagging behind. We remained backward in terms of infrastructure and amenities development and our natural resources like oil and gas were taken away.
“After GE14, PH (Pakatan Harapan) formed the federal government. So we have to think of our state and what is best for Sarawak. We have to think of “Sarawak First” for a brighter future. GPS was formed to look after “Sarawak First”,” Rentap said.
He also pointed out that GPS is a coalition of four Sarawak-based political parties namely PBB, PRS, SUPP and PDP.
“Only Sarawak-based parties know best of the needs and aspirations of the people and how best to develop the state. For this, I salute the late Tok Nan (former chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem) who inspired us to take back our rights and privileges as enshrined in MA63 which were eroded by the federal government. Tonight, we create history because a new political coalition GPS has been formed to safeguard the interest of Sarawak,” Rentap said.
He also reminded the people that Kapit has been a strong fortress of GPS state government. He added that the GPS elected people’s representatives are committed to serve to the best of their abilities to bring more development and progress to the state.
“Although Kapit is in the central region of the state, the state government is focussing on infrastructure development to enable Kapit to catch up with other developed areas in the state. Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has set up the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) to expedite the development of infrastructure and amenities. For 2019 to 2020, RM1.5 billion has been allocated for infrastructure development in Urda.
“We are confident that when all the projects are completed Kapit will not be isolated anymore. I would also like to remind you all that projects take time to complete because they involved planning, sourcing for fund, implementation and completion. However, GPS is committed to do what it can. Now, what is of utmost importance is that we must be united in order to safeguard our rights and privileges,” he said.
Tuai Rumah Edison Bugap, coordinator of the GPS Flag Rally 2019, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan who is also Balai Ringin assemblyman and PRS Youth chief, Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat and Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong who represented Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing also spoke at the function.
On behalf of the longhouse residents Tuai Rumah Edison Bugap welcomed the GPS Flag Rally convoy. He also pledged their full support to GPS.
“We are the backbone of GPS. Kapit has two members of Parliament and six state assemblymen. They are all from GPS. We trust our elected leaders to lead us to a better tomorrow. All these years we have supported the state government and will continue to do so,” Bugap said.
Highlights of the evening included the shouting of the GPS slogan “Sarawak First”, singing of GPS theme song, “miring” ceremony, distribution of GPS flags to the four GPS component parties namely PBB, PRS, SUPP and PDP.
Yesterday the convoy proceeded to Bintangor, Sarikei, Roban and Betong.
