Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg
MIRI: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to fulfil the manifesto of former Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem from the last Sarawak election.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government’s current mission to fight for Sarawak’s rights is based on the late Tok Nan’s manifesto.
“This is about our future and we know how to live well with other communities from different cultures and backgrounds. Hence, there is no doubt only Sarawakians know our way of life,” he said during the Miri Kedayan Association’s charity dinner on Friday.
He also explained the decision of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) to leave Barisan Nasional (BN).
“Although we won during the last general election, the political landscape in the country has changed because the other states have lost in the battle.
“Based on our previous experience, we found there was weakness in making decisions, as the decision was made via parliamentary weight. That is why we have to stand as independent so we would be able to fight for our interests on Sarawak’s rights,” he said.
Abang Johari explained this is to enable the Sarawak government to pursue the aspirations of the people as well as continue with the development agenda, particularly in terms of infrastructure.
“We are now working with Pakatan Harapan (PH) but not joining the coalition. Even those PH of the federal government want to work with us and exchange development thoughts with us.
“They (PH) are even aware of our mission to claim back our rights from the federal government,” he said.
He called on Sarawakians to look forward to the collaboration in the effort to continue development in Sarawak.
On urgent development issues, particularly related to basic infrastructure, he said the Sarawak government would use its own funds to speed up the implementation.
“That is why we set up our own department on water supply and then use our own money to settle those rural areas which have yet to be connected with clean water supply.
“The most important now is for the people to continue to stay united and continue to work with the state government; otherwise what has been planned for the state will not be able to be carried out accordingly,” he added.