Don't be dispirited by Sarawak move, Khairy tells those left in BN

Umno and the remaining component parties in BN should not be discouraged by the dissolution of Sarawak BN, Khairy Jamaluddin said today.

In a statement, the Umno and BN Youth chief said he accepted with an open heart the decision of the four Sarawak parties to leave BN and form their own coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

"Although this means that Sarawak BN, which was built over the five decades, is over, I understand why our friends in Sarawak had to make the decision.

"The decision by the four parties to exit BN also gives a huge impact in shaping the new Umno, and charting our relationship with BN component parties in Sabah and Sarawak.

“I hope these discussions will be made based on the country's new political scenario, where we are willing to work with friends in Sarawak, even though they will not officially return to the BN fold in the future," he said.

Earlier today, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Abang Openg announced that Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) are leaving BN.

In his statement, Khairy further urged the parties still left in BN – Umno, MCA, MIC and Gerakan – to not be discouraged by the Sarawak move.

"Today marks the beginning of a new political relationship between Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, based on 'true understanding and appreciation' of the Malaysia Agreement 1963, where it must be respected, for the good of Malaysians, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak." -Mkini