KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has proven that it can fight for the interest of Sarawak and her peoples, regardless of which party or coalition formed the federal government, since its formation in 2018.
Therefore, GPS would remain as it is now – and continue to be friendly to the federal government even if Barisan Nasional (BN) wins the 15th General Election or govern the country again.
This was Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Prof Azmi Hassan’s opinion, adding that GPS remained stable with the support from the citizens despite the political crisis at federal level.
He said people realised that GPS could fight better being just being a friend instead of a member of the ruling party at federal level.
“Thus, there’s nothing much GPS needs to do or change even if BN wins GE15,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
Apart from that, Prof Azmi said GPS would continue to stay as the kingmaker as the political parties in Peninsular Malaysia were strongly divided.
For instance, he said, the cooperation between Umno and PAS through Muafakat Nasional (MN) would need the support from GPS to become a strong government.
“It would be the same if Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) want to team up to face BN.
“They also need GPS as the state ruling coalition holds 18 parliamentary seats. Besides, GPS is expecting to perform better and win more seats in the next general election.”
Prof Azmi was commenting on Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan’s statement that the party must win GE15 with a huge majority in order to form a stable government that would not be dependant on the mercy of others.
Mohamad, who is Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, said Umno’s confidence in becoming the strongest political party to win GE15 was based on changing trends in the national political landscape, BN’s performances as well as changes adopted by the party to embrace and champion reforms.
Prof Azmi said GPS would not have much issue with Umno or BN returning as the federal government as they had built trust in a solid relationship even during the Sarawak BN era.
In addition, he said, Umno once again proved that it would not set foot in Sarawak during the last state polls in December.
“Umno and other BN parties from the Peninsular have continued to uphold the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ that they would not interfere in Sarawak politics.
“Unlike the PN and PH who wanted the support from GPS, yet they want to contest in Sarawak. So, if BN forms the next federal government, it would be more advantageous (for GPS).
“I believe GPS also trusts BN more than PH and PN.”
