Calling on Semenanjung-based parties to exercise restraint and not to split us

In light of the recent issue on Perikatan Nasional (PN) plans in the forthcoming Sarawak's state elections (PRN), I have urged them not to spilt us by such actions. As the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, I have mentioned to our media friends that they (PN) and other Peninsular-based political parties must learn from the United Malay National Organisation (Umno) in respecting how the state wants to be governed only by local political parties. 

The local media wanted my comments on recent statements by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Sarawak chief, Senator Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Suffian’s on PN’s presence in Sarawak is to strengthen Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) position in the state. 

We cannot deny that any registered political parties in Malaysia’s democracy system have the rights to expand and be political anywhere in the country. PN Sarawak must realise and understand how Sarawakians’ wants and needs that can only be understood by its own people. 

Our local folks want us to be on our own and to have a Sarawak political party looking after the state. This is why GPS was formed. I have also reminded others that GPS is not part of PN and vice versa despite how friendly and supportive of each other. 

I have also pointed out that GPS had vouch for support to PN in the formation of Malaysian government for the purpose of having a stable government and for the sake of stability. Even though in Parliament we are friendly and supportive of PN, it does not mean that we are part of them. The formation of the Malaysian government before this was based on PN plus GPS and it is not GPS within PN, but we are actually partners. 

Back then when the situation was uncertain, it had posed so much difficulties for all of us including doing businesses and our daily lives affected especially when the Covid-19 pandemic struck. We were supportive because the country needed stability, however it does not mean that in Sarawak we are going to accept the party just like that. 

At the same time, I called on PN and Bersatu to learn the lessons from Umno because despite all these years and out of all the states in Malaysia, Umno is still not present in Sarawak. You can be our friend but the moment the state election is near and you suddenly start setting up liaison office here and there, we will become suspicious. What do you want? After this, are you going to tell us that you want some seats here? Learn from Umno, we respect them because they respect us.