Yesterday (20 November), Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Abang Johari Openg announced that the party will be working with Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form the federal government.
However, in a quick twist of events, it appears that party members of GPS were not happy with this decision made by the chairman, as most were concerned about the inclusion of PAS and the anti-Christian narratives played up in the final hours of the election campaign.
“We were not consulted on this and it appears that Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg is making arbitrary decisions,” a source was quoted as saying by The Vibes.
Meanwhile, another said that they are having difficulty in explaining to their members why they are tying up with PAS and Bersatu. “Their politics are inconsistent with the values of the people in Sarawak,” another said.
Following Abang Johari’s announcement that GPS will enter a pact with PN, BN, and GRS in Sabah to form the federal government with Muhyiddin as prime minister, many netizens took online to express dismay over the decision.
“The fact that GPS and GRS is willing to support PN who used religious tactics to discriminate against most of the Sarawakians and Sabahans is disgusting to see. Disappointed,” a netizen said.
“As a Sarawakian, I am 100% against GPS and GRS forming the federal government with PN. Abang Jo, pls know about Mahiaddin’s fake accusations against Christians. Reject racists and extremists,” another netizen said.
GPS won 22 parliamentary seats in the 15th General Election (GE15), making it the fourth biggest winner after PH, PN and BN.
Really shame on GPS if Abg Jo ever thinks coalition with PN+PAS will bring prosperity to Malaysia, yet alone Sarawak. Muhiyddin himself used the religion card to fight PH off. “if y’all undi PH, DAP will try to CHRISTIANIZE us”. Dear Abg Jo, 70% of your voters are CHRISTIANS.
— 🧜🏻♀️ (@jcyedw) November 20, 2022
A disastrous mistake
Meanwhile, Sarawak PH information chief Abun Sui said that GPS will make a disastrous mistake if it chooses to help PAS and Bersatu form the federal government, as these two Malaya parties had capitalised on extreme propaganda in the GE15.
He then called on Abang Johari to not give in to pressure from PN leaders.
“Working with parties with extreme agendas and race and religion-based policies, and putting such parties into power in the national administration, will be a mistake GPS will regret.
“GPS is in a position to work with moderates in Pakatan Harapan. Join forces with PH to form the federal government together with Sabah partners who are also moderates,” Sui was quoted as saying.
