MIRI: Sarawakians are still in favour of state-based political parties.
This was pointed out by Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau when asked to comment on the launch of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) branch in Bintulu recently.
“Despite Bersatu spreading its wing in Bintulu recently Sarawakians are still in favour of “local product” which is represented by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)
“Surprisingly, the turnout was fewer than 2,000 people. Many empty seats were seen at the venue during the launch,” Dennis said when met at PBB Telang Usan service centre in Luak here, recently.
He also described Bersatu as a young party that has no experience in Sarawak’s affairs unlike the GPS coalition which comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP),Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
“We (GPS) have been facing numerous challenges and difficulties throughout the years. This is our land and our right to protect it from outside parties.
“Since we parted ways with BN after GE14, Sarawak is much better now under GPS. We want to feel free and prosper with our own hands and ingenuity,” he added.
Dennis also explained that this has been proven with the implementation of various development plans under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg such as the Highland Development Agency (HDA), Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA) and Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) which are all fully funded by the State government.
“A political party is an instrument in a democratic government. Anybody can form a political party but we have to see beyond the “fun fair”. If we give them (political parties from outside Sarawak) a chance to rule our state we will definitely revert to the time when we were attached to BN. Hence, Sarawak must be run by state-based political parties,” Dennis stressed.
