KUCHING: Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos’ hope for 2020 is for Sarawakians to do much thinking regarding the fate and future of the state while remaining united as well.
He said that so many things had occurred in 2019 which had made Sarawakians displeased with the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government.
He cited a few – Petronas under the federal government refusing to pay Sarawak for the oil and gas mined in the state, talks on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) seeming to ‘go on forever’, and the bad shape of the national economy, which also adversely affects Sarawak.
“The cost of living is not only high, but rising, and it is tough for all Malaysians. PH appears unconcerned and lost,” he said, adding that many of PH’s promises to Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole had been broken or forgotten.
“The list of PH’s weaknesses and failures is very long – so long that trust and hope in them in almost extinguished,” Minos said.
He said that this and more had made Sarawakians very cautious and wary of a possible PH rule over Sarawak.
“Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has managed Sarawak much better and more effectively, despite the obstacles faced,” said the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman.
He emphasised unity especially in defending Sarawak’s rights and interests.
“We all love our nation, but the PH federal government running Malaysia is openly hostile to Sarawak, actively seeking to undermine and topple the GPS government and taking over,” he said.
“We are not anti-Peninsular, but we Sarawakians do not want to be directly ruled and governed by people from Peninsular or their proxies and surrogates. We want Sarawakians to run the Sarawak government,” said Minos.
He pointed out that PH running the federal government was ‘messy’, with many economic, political, and social problems.
“We do not want the peninsular problems coming over and spreading in peaceful and happy Sarawak,” he said.
He said that Sarawak must always stay peaceful with mutual acceptance and respect between all races and religions.
“I say this because it is disturbing to hear so many angry words, acrimony, and differences over racial and religious issues in Peninsular Malaysia – something that must not happen in our beloved Sarawak,” he said.
He said that if Sarawakians allowed PH to take over Sarawak in the coming election, it would be a fatal mistake.
He also urged for everyone to be prepared for 2020 as it would not be an easy year.