KUCHING: Political observer Datuk Peter Minos said that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) should focus on Sarawak and not be involved in West Malaysian politics.
The Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman said that GPS must just concentrate and focus on Sarawak’s matters and affairs.
In a statement yesterday, he said that this has led Sarawak to use the ‘Sarawak First’ tagline in the coming 15th general election (GE15) and the decision to do so was a wise and appropriate electoral move.
“First exposed and used by the former Premier of Sarawak, Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and now vigorously pursued by the current Premier, the ‘Sarawak First’ tagline has many implications and things behind it,” he said.
He said GPS and its leaders had taken upon themselves as the true instrument and political group in bringing about social and economic development to Sarawak, apart from continuing with the current peace and stability plus racial and religious harmony.
“GPS does not see any other political group in Sarawak or capable of doing the job. Definitely not the West Malaysian based parties such as DAP or PKR and not even the local PSB and its partners,” he added.
He also pointed out that in safe-guarding and defending Sarawak’s interest, rights and powers, only GPS could be relied upon.
Minos emphasised that GPS had clearly shown how hard it had pursued in getting back from the federal government with relation to Sarawak’s powers under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“With that, in calling and demanding the federal government for more funds for development and getting PETRONAS to give and pay more to Sarawak from its Sarawak-based vast oil and gas revenues,” he said.
He added that it was public knowledge that GPS and especially its top leader, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, had openly and repeatedly urged the federal government to be fair and reasonable to Sarawak.
“Whether it is on the issue of English usage in Sarawak or the handling of education or in enticing foreign investments and in many other matters and issues dear and vital to Sarawak,” he said.
He also further mentioned that if the voters of Sarawak give the 31 MP seats to GPS in the coming GE15, GPS would use its position to speak up and speak more for Sarawak in Parliament and that was for sure and given.
“GPS must get funds from the federal government and PETRONAS and do more to really develop Sarawak, to get rid of rural poverty and economic backwardness and to catch up with more advanced Malaya.
“Only GPS has the ability and effectiveness to do it, not the other political groups which do little but rhetoric-playing and fault-finding”, he said.
