KUCHING: Sarawak witnessed the dawn of a new era in its political landscape at Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya here last night.
It was indeed a historic moment when Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg took to the stage to officially launch Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
The venue for the launching ceremony was also a perfect choice as it befits its name, which when translated in English, means Unity Stadium.
The heavy rain, which caused flashfloods in many low-lying and flood-prone areas of the city, including in Petra Jaya, did not dampen the spirits of more than 10,000 people from all walks of life, who thronged the stadium to witness the historic event.
The stadium was filled to the brim as thousands came as early as 3pm for the event, which began at 6.30pm. Hundreds who came later were forced to stand outside as there was no more room to accommodate them inside the stadium.
GPS members comprising the four component parties, namely Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), were all dressed in white t-shirts, bearing the hornbill logo at the back of their shirts.
The crowd was seen cheering and waving the GPS flag as Johari arrived for the launching ceremony. While waiting for the arrival of the VIPS, they were entertained to performances by local artistes including Rickie Andrewson and Claudia Geres.
Before the four presidents of GPS component parties took to the stage, there was a five-minute video presentation of the just concluded eight-day GPS flag rally (Jan 11 to 18). The rally which started from the northern region in Lawas on Jan 11 ended in Kota Samarahan on Friday.
The video presentation was followed by a flag procession participated by 60 flag bearers entering the stadium to hand over the GPS flag to Johari.
Prior to the launching, there was also a special video presentation, which included short messages from coalition party presidents, Tan Sri Dr James Masing (PRS), Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (SUPP), Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (PDP) and Johari (PBB) about the aspirations of GPS in fighting for and safeguarding Sarawak rights as stipulated under MA63 and the Federal Constitution.
Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, all Youth chiefs of GPS component parties Gerald Rentap Jabu (PBB), Datuk Snowdan Lawan (PRS), Michael Tiang (SUPP), and Robert Ayu (PDP) and GPS Women chiefs Datuk Sri Fatimah Abdullah (PBB), Datuk Seri Doris Brodie (PRS), Kho Teck Wan (SUPP) and Datuk Chiew Yen Chew (PDP) were among those present.
Also present were former deputy chief ministers Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan.
The birth of GPS on June 12 last year, which culminated in its official launching last night, has created a new platform for the state government to have a stronger and louder voice to pursue fights for the state’s rights and interest.
It also marks the first time in the history of Sarawak, after 55 years in Malaysia, to have an independent ruling state government led by a 100 per cent state-based coalition.
The launching ceremony ended with a pledge-taking ceremony by GPS leaders and members led by Johari.
