Shows Perikatan Nasional cannot be trusted: Sarawak
Published on: Monday, November 07, 2022
By: Malay Mail
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg accused Perikatan Nasional (PN) of reneging on its promise not to contest Sarawak. — Bernama pic
ENGKILILI: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg accused Perikatan Nasional (PN) of reneging on its promise not to contest Sarawak in exchange for supporting Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as the country’s Prime Minister following the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan (PH) Federal Government in 2020.He said there was an agreement with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for PN to leave Sarawak alone.
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“Then suddenly in this 15th general election, we have PN fielding candidates in Sarawak,” he said. Abang Johari was referring to the fielding of two PN candidates Datuk Ali Biju and Jugah Muyang in Saratok and Lubok Antu respectively.
“I don’t care what democracy is all about when you come to Sarawak, but you must keep to your promise. Do you believe in this type of people, especially parties that come from peninsular Malaysia?” he asked.
Abang Johari, who is GPS chairman, said Sarawakians can look after themselves and “we can protect Sarawak’s interest.”
“I don’t want to compromise. You come, we challenge you for the future interest of the people,” he said. He said Lubok Antu is the fortress of the legendary Rentap and Sarawak would never cede it.
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“If PN wants to contest in Sarawak, so be it. Our people know how to fight them back. I am not anti-peninsular Malaysians but understanding and respect must be reciprocal. You respect me, I also respect you,” he said.
He also said Umno would not be a liability for the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) despite some quarters saying that voting for GPS in the 15th general election (GE15) is like voting for Umno.
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He said a vote for GPS in GE15 is never a vote for Umno because there is no Barisan Nasional (BN) or its component Umno contesting for seats in the State in the GE15.
“My face is not like Zahid (Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi). So a vote for GPS is never like a vote for Umno,” he said.
There were notions that a vote for GPS in the coming GE15 is equivalent to a vote for Umno which GPS leaders claim to be originating from the opposition.
Last month, Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian rubbished the notion as well.
The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president described such talks as a tactic by the opposition, particularly the Democratic Action Party (DAP), to confuse voters.
“Now DAP is saying that voting GPS will be like voting for Umno. I do not know who votes for Umno (in Sarawak). There is no Umno in Sarawak,” said Dr Sim at the time.
Caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob last month said that BN will need to work with other parties such as GPS or Gabungan Rakyat Sabah if it fails to win a simple majority in the upcoming GE15.
“Whatever it is, let’s wait for the election results, then the (Umno) supreme council will make a decision.
“If we only have 85 seats, we won’t be able to form a government, so for sure we will work with other parties,” said Ismail Sabri.
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