KUCHING: Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) hopes that the formation of a new federal government will end all political quarrels so complete focus can be given to the wellbeing of the country and the people.
SUPP secretary-general Datuk Sebastian Ting said these few days were critical for the future of the nation.
“We believe in the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in picking the best prime minister to serve the people,” he said in a statement today (Aug 17).
He said all Sarawakians hoped that the political turmoil in Malaya would be quickly resolved.
“The behaviour of some politician leaders fighting for power has made the people extremely tired and dissatisfied.
“Instead, priority should be on reducing the number of confirmed cases and level the curve so that the people and businesses can return to their normal lives and revitalise the economy, bringing the country back on track,” he said.
He expressed SUPP’s concern regarding the current political turmoil in the country, especially at this time when combating Covid-19 should be the main priority rather than fighting among each other.
At the same time, Ting said SUPP fully respected and supported Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s decision to resign as well as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decision to appoint Muhyiddin as caretaker Prime Minister until a new one was chosen.
“SUPP agrees with the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that holding the 15th General Election is not a good option when considering the safety of the people. The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country is still very high – around 20,000 cases every day.
“It is obvious that the people do not want the general election to be held at this time because it may cause even more cases, more deaths, and more economic lockdowns in already dire straits,” he said.
The Piasau assemblyman said the party also agreed with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s statement that this was not the time to play politics but rather to focus on fighting the pandemic.
“Fortunately, Sarawak has a stable state government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to tackle the outbreak and plan for the post Covid-19 economic recovery. Even though West Malaysia is caught in endless political turmoil, Sarawak is able to continue focus on the fight against the pandemic,” he said.
He expressed SUPP’s gratitude to Muhyiddin for his service, adding that it was undeniable that the former Prime Minister had experienced a difficult term.
“After taking office last year, he had to lead the government and the country to face an unprecedented worldwide pandemic.”
Ting said Muhyiddin’s huge contributions in recognising Sarawak’s rights and state laws on oil and gas would certainly not be forgotten.
“Muhyiddin as Prime Minister within a short time of 17 months contributed much more to Sarawak than Pakatan Harapan (PH) during its 22-month stint of empty promises as the federal government,” he said.
He also thanked GPS federal ministers and deputy ministers for their contributions.
“Whoever form the new federal government, we hope that they will continue to respect the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the Inter-Governmental Committee Report, and all of Sarawak’s rights enshrined in the Federal Constitution and State Constitution. The Sarawak government will continue to get back all its eroded rights over the years.
“No matter how the national political situation evolves, GPS continues to adhere to the concept of ‘Sarawak First’ and puts Sarawak’s rights and interests of the people of Sarawak as the top priority,” he said.
