SARATOK: If Malayan-based parties are harbouring ambitions to set up base in Sarawak, just forget it and move on.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg Sarawak has reiterated that while the state is prepared to work with Malayan parties for a stable and strong government, it however will not allow them to build their base and bring their brand of political ideology into Sarawak.
“We must defend our state, and from the beginning, we stressed that they (Malayan parties) should not come here. UMNO wants to come here, we say there is no need because we have our culture.
“We know how to manage our own state, we have our own culture that is not the same as those in Malaya.
“Our Iban, Malay, Chinese, Orang Ulu, Bidayuh and others all can live together in peace. That is why I want us to defend this culture,” he said in his speech during the Sarawakku Sayang Programme at Sri Kalaka Main Stage, Saratok here today (Nov 18).
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakub had to call a general election for the people’s mandate because the previous government was unstable.
Abang Johari also reiterated that Sarawak under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has the most stable government in Malaysia.
“Some said GPS is the kingmaker. The bargaining power is with us. The Malaya-based parties are even offering the deputy prime minister (DPM) post to us.
“And if the post does not come with power, it will be pointless. I want the power to be given back to Sarawak based on an agreement under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This is our struggle for our beloved state, Sarawak,” he said.
