PAS link splits GPS over teaming up with PN

 

GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg at a meeting on Sunday with Perikatan Nasional leader Muhyiddin Yassin and PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang to discuss the formation of a federal government. (Twitter pic)

PETALING JAYA : Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is said to be in discord over the coalition’s plans to work with Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form the federal government, party insiders reveal.

One GPS member told FMT that some were “fearful” of the prospect of working alongside PAS, whose president Abdul Hadi Awang had earned the ire of Sarawakians in the past over comments he had made.

“We ought to work with Pakatan Harapan,” said the party source who is an assemblyman.

Yesterday, GPS chairman Abang Johari Openg said the grouping will form a coalition with PN, Barisan Nasional (BN), and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah to establish a government, after no single coalition won a parliamentary majority in the general election.

Abang Johari said GPS decided to work with the three coalitions to ensure that a stable government is formed as soon as possible.

However, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Sunday that the coalition had never negotiated with GPS on the matter, nor had it held any talks with PN.

An MP from GPS who requested anonymity said his fellow MPs were unhappy with the decision to collaborate with PN. “We should have been consulted before Abang Johari made the decision,” he said.

Sources have also informed FMT that GPS’ decision to join forces with PN was made as it thought that BN would be part of the equation.

An MP from PH who also did not wish to be named said Abang Johari had jumped the gun. “Now with the pressure that Abang Johari is facing, there are signs of him coming to work with us,” said the PH source.

When asked about the possibility of GPS joining the PH pact now, the MP said “probably”.

PH chairman Anwar Ibrahim said earlier today that he remains optimistic about forming a government with BN.

Speaking at a press conference, he confirmed that PH had met BN representatives this morning. He also said he was the sole prime ministerial candidate.

Party leaders and heads of coalitions have until 2pm on Tuesday to propose their prime ministerial candidate, an MP who commands a majority in the Dewan Rakyat. - FMT