State minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says breaking up was painful but the people rejected BN because of the excesses of Umno and some of its leaders.
Abdul Karim says the decision to leave BN was made after much deliberation, reflection and discussion. (Bernama pic)
SIBU: A Sarawak minister has slammed Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor for suggesting Sarawak BN betrayed the true spirit of comradeship by quitting the coalition after its defeat in the May 9 general election, according to a report in Borneo Post.
Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah told the Sarawak-based daily yesterday that Tengku Adnan was the “last person” who should talk about comradeship.
“As Umno and BN secretary-general, he should ask whether component parties in BN had been treated fairly and equally.
“He should just shut his mouth and be like other Umno leaders who understand why Sarawak ex-BN component parties have to make this stand (of leaving BN),” he reportedly said.
Tengku Adnan was quoted in a New Straits Times report as saying that he had expected the Sarawak BN member parties to leave and there was nothing he could do about it.
“I expected this to happen, even though the spirit of comradeship dictates that when we are down, all our friends should stay together and fight for the cause, nation and the people.
“But since they chose that way (to leave), what can we do? We cannot do anything but we now know who is a friend and who is a foe,” Tengku Adnan was quoted as saying.
In response, Abdul Karim, who is a vice-president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the largest party in the former Sarawak BN, said the decision to leave was made after much deliberation, reflection and discussion.
He pointed out that after being together for 40 years, breaking up was definitely painful.
“It is not an easy decision. Divorce is always painful,” he said.
“But, Tengku Adnan and Umno must understand … and be able to swallow … that the rakyat’s rejection of BN is because of the excesses of Umno and some of its leaders … who have lost their original struggle for the rakyat and nation and overcome with greed.
“Sarawak BN then sadly ‘kena tempias’ or the tail effect of all the excesses and greed.”
Abdul Karim told Borneo Post the former Sarawak BN parties would have to start anew and build up the confidence of the people.
“It might be difficult, but we will prevail.”
Sarawak BN comprised PBB led by Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, Parti Rakyat Sarawak, Progressive Democratic Party and Sarawak United People’s Party.
They have decided to form a new state-based coalition called Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). -FMT
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