GPS will be new platform for Sarawak Goverment
Published on: Monday, January 21, 2019
By: Bernama
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), a coalition of four state parties that will be seen as the new platform for the Sarawak government.
He assured that, GPS that was set up on June 12, and launched at the Stadium Perpaduan Sarawak here tonight, will not be like the previous political alliance and would be able to protect the rights and future of Sarawak in line with the wishes of the people in the new political era.
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“The 14th general election (GE14) had given us a surprise and changed the country’s landscape ... now that we have our own coalition, we can work with anyone whose right of origin is respected,” said Abang Johari who is GPS chairman at the launching.
It was attended by about 8,000 GPS members from four political parties in the state.
The defeat of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government at the federal level after the general election last year saw BN component parties in the state forming the GPS with its slogan or catchphrase “Utamakan Sarawak” or “Sarawak First”.
The GPS comprising the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), the Party Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), was approved by the Registrar of Societies on Nov 19.
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At the launch, Abang Johari also unveiled the nine thrusts of GPS, namely upholding the constitution, reflecting rules of law and building prosperity and a greater Sarawak.
The others are political integrity and patriotism, straightening the Sarawak economy, fostering unity and peace as well as inspiring future generations and preserving heritage and sustainable resources.
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Later speaking at a media conference after the launch, he said GPS would go down to the ground to explain the nine thrusts and how it connected with its newly launched party logo.
“What is important is that we have a sustainable economy and at the same time, GPS subscribes to the concept of a good relationship with the federal government,” he said.
Abang Johari was also pleased with the progress made by the Sarawak Consultative Committee on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
“So far it is a good negotiation”, he said of Sarawak’s ongoing demands from Putrajaya pertaining to its special rights and position as enshrined under MA63 and the Federal Constitution.
On suggestions to increase the sales tax to 10 per cent next year to help expedite development in Sarawak, the chief minister said it would depend on the economic environment and national needs.
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