KAPIT: Youth and Sports Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan (pic) said that the recent launch of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in Bintulu by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not a real threat to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) because now Sarawakians have confidence in the GPS government.
Snowdan was asked to comment on the launch of Bersatu by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir in Bintulu last Saturday, after he officiated at the closing of the 14th Sarawak Indoor Archery Competition at Kapit Indoor Stadium on Sunday evening.
“From what I hear, see and read in the social media on the feedback, I think the launch of Bersatu is not a real threat to GPS because GPS has been approved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS). Prior to GPS’s approval, people were confused and worried.
“Now, with the approval, people have confidence in GPS which comprises four Sarawak-based parties namely PBB, PRS, PDP and SUPP.
“There is a general consensus to support Sarawak-based parties because locals want GPS to govern Sarawak and to look after their interest especially now that we are fighting to ratify Sarawak’s rights as enshrined in MA63 which were eroded by the federal government. We want our rights and privileges returned,” Snowdan said.
“Bersatu is a Malaya-based party and equivalent to Unmo. Most of its members are former Umno members including Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir and Home Affairs Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yasin. In the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition Bersatu is a minor party. It has no alternative but to spread its wing to Sarawak hoping to capture a few seats,” Snowdan said.
He also observed that the video clip of Bersatu’s launching in Bintulu was not a grand occasion judging by the attendance.
“To us, Sarawakians will not support Bersatu because we are now fighting for Sarawak’s rights and privileges.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has formed the Consultative Committee on MA63 to discuss with the federal government and to look into the terms and conditions.
“We have already held two state-level meetings and the next meeting in mid-December will be with the federal government. I will be representing PRS and I will discuss with my party president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing concerning about the Dayak because we are discusssing Sarawak’s rights. We will gather the findings and submit them to the Chief Minister where he will be guided by the findings.
“The Consultative Committee was approved by the State Legislative Assembly during its last sitting from Nov 5 to 15. We all approved the committee included PKR and DAP. The Chief Minister is not alone. He has the full backing of the Consultative Committee which is an excellent form of deliberation,” Snowdan explained.
Responding to another question the coming State election, Snowdan said: “We don’t take PH lightly. Whether its a General Election or by-election, we take it seriously.
“In 2016, we won 72 out of 82 seats under former chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem. The main factor was because of the strong local sentiment. As I said, people now realised that their rights were eroded by the federal government.
“We want to take back our rights as enshrined in MA63. We don’t want to be over confident, we will do our best.”
