Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will not consider forming an electoral alliance with any peninsula-based political parties ahead of the coming Sarawak state election.
GPS spokesman Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak’s political landscape was different from the federal level, where cooperation between parties did not automatically translate into electoral partnerships in the state, Dayak Daily reported.
He said GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg had already announced that the coalition would contest all 82 state seats.
As such, GPS would go into the election on its own, Karim said.
“So, if PKR says it wants to collaborate, it is a bit too late for that.
“We will still treat you as the opposition,” he was quoted as saying.
GPS rules out cooperation with peninsula parties
Karim said the same approach would apply to other peninsula-based parties, including DAP, PAS, Bersatu and Amanah.
He, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu information chief, questioned why Sarawak should rely on parties based in West Malaysia when major decisions affecting the state could ultimately require approval from their national leadership.
“That is not the kind of arrangement we want.
“Why should we go through such layers when we have our own Sarawak parties that can make decisions here for the good and well-being of the people?” he said.
Sarawak election within 60 days
The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Oct 26, paving the way for the 13th state election to be held within the next 60 days.
GPS has indicated that it will contest all 82 seats without forming an electoral partnership with peninsula-based parties.
