KUCHING: The readiness of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to “war” with the federal government is proof of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s firm stand in protecting the rights of Sarawak as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic).
He was referring to Abang Johari’s speech at the swearing-in of local councillors here on July 31, where the Chief Minister stated that GPS would be ready for “war” with Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government in order to protect the rights of Sarawak and its people.
In contrast to the Chief Minister fighting for Sarawak’s rights, Fadillah felt that Sarawak PH leaders did not make a sound when projects for Sarawak were cancelled.
“The rights of Sarawak have been challenged one by one,” he told New Sarawak Tribune yesterday.
He also highlighted the half-hearted efforts of the federal government in aiding Sarawak, which the state government has grown tired of.
“PH leaders converged on Kuching last Sunday just to criticise the Sarawak government while claiming that their ideas were better, instead of announcing projects for the development of Sarawak and its people,” Fadillah noted.
He opined that PH leaders failed to back up their words with actions, giving empty promises.
“We have already seen for ourselves how PH trashed promises in the PRU-14 manifesto, in addition to projects that were approved for Sarawak being cancelled with the excuse of lack of budget. Meanwhile, new projects that cost even more in Peninsular Malaysia are announced,” Fadillah stated.
He felt that there was no point in the state government extending a friendly hand if Sarawak’s rights continued to be denied and if the state continued to be side-lined when it comes to budget allocations and development.
Fadillah also urged all Sarawakians to fully support the Chief Minister, who refused to compromise in his demands to the federal government to stop infringing on Sarawak’s constitutional rights.
“Being ready for “war” does not just mean going to the ground to understand the current political scenario, but also involves repelling attacks towards GPS on social media,” he pointed out, encouraging representatives and leaders of GPS at all levels to be active on social media in terms of answering issues that are raised while communicating the right message to the public.
