KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has proposed to form a federal government consisting of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional, GPS and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which will represent the inclusiveness of diversity and plurality of Malaysia, which comprises various races, customs and religions.

A statement from Office of the Premier of Sarawak here today said GPS has opined that the people’s mandate must be respected, following the political crisis in Peninsular Malaysia.

Therefore, GPS would leave it to the discretionary powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint a prime minister who will lead a strong and stable government to govern the country.

GPS stressed that the interests of the country and wellbeing of the people must be prioritised in forming the next government; which should be done above personal interests.

Yesterday, Istana Negara postponed the deadline for political parties to present their coalition numbers and candidates for the prime minister’s post has been deferred to 2pm today.

Comptroller of the royal household Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin said the deadline was extended following a request from party and coalition leaders, which was received by the palace yesterday.

“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong urges the people to pray for the process of the formation of the new government, appointment of the prime minister to go on smoothly in the interest of the country,” he said.

On Sunday, Sarawak Premier and GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said GPS decided to lend its support to PN to form the next federal government with BN and GRS, to strengthen and stabilise the country for the wellbeing of the people.

He said this was after there was no single party commanding a simple majority to form the federal government after the 15th general election (GE15).