Abang Johari: Only 100% local parties should operate in Sarawak

Sarawak Chief Minister Patinggi Abang Johari Openg says the risk of disruptive elements destroying the harmony in the state is one of the reasons he will not relinquish Sarawak’s control over its immigration policy. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Patinggi Abang Johari Openg today suggested that only 100% Sarawak-based parties should operate in the state.

In this regard, he said it might be urgent and important to encourage the formation of new opposition parties that were truly Sarawak-based and which were not affiliated in any way to non-Sarawakian or foreign political parties to participate in Sarawak politics.

“For us GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak), we are truly a Sarawak-based party and helmed by only Sarawakians,” said Abang Johari, who is the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).

“Today, we have no 100% Sarawak-based opposition party and Sarawak Pakatan Harapan is only the Sarawak chapter of the national Pakatan Harapan, which is based in Peninsular Malaysia and with leaders from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said, adding that Sarawak PH had very little say over national policy on behalf of Sarawak.

“We have learnt from our history the danger of Sarawak parties being too closely aligned with Peninsular parties, such as to be subservient to national politics,” he said at the Sarawak state assembly sitting.

He said neither did they want non-Sarawakians to influence Sarawak behind the scenes, adding “we have all along objected to Umno spreading its wings to Sarawak and this will remain our policy”.

The chief minister said he was not wrong when he barred non-Sarawakians from entering the state, alleging that they could stir up sentiments and emotions that would destroy the harmony and unity of the Sarawak people.

“The risk of disruptive elements to our peace and harmony is one good reason why I will not relinquish the right of Sarawak to control our immigration policy,” he said. - FMT