Dato Richard Wee
KUCHING: It is likely that more urban and Chinese voters in the state will throw their support behind Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in the next state election due to the commitment shown by the coalition in fighting for Sarawak’s autonomy, said Dato Richard Wee.
Wee, who is Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president, told The Borneo Post he believes that GPS, under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, would continue to go all-out to defend the rights of Sarawak.
“I do foresee that urban and Chinese voters are embracing the current government more.
“Previously (in the 2016 state election), there was the ‘Tok Nan effect’ but this time around, our current chief minister, who follows in the footsteps of Tok Nan, is fighting for Sarawak’s rights in his own way,” said Wee, referring to former chief minister the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem who was fondly known as Tok Nan.
Wee was contacted yesterday on whether the voting trend among urban and Chinese voters in the state would further swing in favour of GPS in the coming election, which is due by mid-2021 but could be called at any time now.
In the 2016 polls, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) wrested Batu Kawah, Repok, Meradong and Piasau from Democratic Action Party (DAP) following a swing in voter sentiment which was widely attributed to the people-centric policies implemented by the late Adenan.
Wee added that the success of getting Petronas to pay the State Sales Tax as well as recognise the Oil Mining Ordinance was a major achievement for the state government.
He pointed out that the Chinese community in Sarawak is more concerned about whether enough has been done to defend the rights and interests of the state.
“They all see that the Sarawak government has made its position very clear.
“However, it takes time for the process to take place. I can see the sincerity of the Sarawak government in dealing with all these; they are resolute and determined about it.
“Of course the process cannot happen overnight but I would say that we are headed in the right direction.”
He said while not everyone will share the same sentiment, he personally was satisfied with the achievements of the state government and hoped to see more such accomplishments.
“Recently, the chief minister said it was high time for Sarawak to have one-third representation in Parliament. This is something the chief minister is doing in a gradual manner, in his own way.”
Wee said despite the possibility of multi-cornered fights with Pakatan Harapan (PH), Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) and others joining the fray, he maintained his belief that GPS would still come out on top.
“The people are disappointed with PH because when they were in the government, they did not full the promises made. Because of this, I believe the urban and Chinese voters would align themselves with GPS come the 12th state election,” he said.