INTERVIEW | A day after the Parliamentary elections on Nov 19 last year, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) emerged as the fourth largest bloc in Parliament with 23 seats.
Immediately, they locked in their choice of prime minister. They wanted Muhyiddin Yassin - the leader of Perikatan Nasional (PN) - which is the second largest bloc in Parliament.
However, what came as a surprise was GPS chairperson Abang Johari Openg’s announcement that BN and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) were backing Muhyiddin as well.
Yet, two days later, GPS’ position shifted and signalled that it would support any prime ministerial candidate chosen by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In a recent interview with Malaysiakini, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who is also a senior GPS leader, finally cleared the air on what led to the coalition's change of heart.
Fadillah explained that Muhyiddin and Abang Johari had spoken over the phone immediately after the election.
This led to GPS deciding collectively that they will be backing Muhyiddin for the top job.
"That was the fact then. Eventually, things cropped up in ‘semenanjung’ (the peninsula) involving BN.
“They said they are not with Muhyiddin. There may be some members who are supporting (Muhyiddin) but as far as the supreme council is concerned, they are not backing him.
"So whatever statutory declarations (SDs, made in support of Muhyiddin) are not valid," said Fadillah, who also dismissed suggestions that GPS was misled into thinking that Muhyiddin had the numbers.
He explained that Muhyiddin had submitted SDs with the names of 115 MPs to Istana Negara and yet BN's top brass had denied backing Muhyiddin.
This, Fadillah said, led to Istana Negara summoning the leaders of PN, Pakatan Harapan, BN and GPS to establish whom they were backing as prime minister.
No negotiations, relied on Agong’s wisdom
Fadillah led the GPS delegation and was accompanied by Alexander Nanta Linggi, Richart Riot and Aaron Ago Dagang.
"This was what transpired. We were told that there was no clarity as far as who is going to be prime minister in terms of support from the Members of Parliament.
"So the Agong expressed that the best (scenario) was for (GPS) to (help) form a unity government. Who is going to (be the) head? No mention.
"(His Majesty) wished that there would be a unity government and asked for our views. Our stand then was... we have written our SDs (to the palace) in support of Muhyiddin.
"But, GPS will respect whatever decision is made by the Agong and we will support the formation of a unity government for the sake of the nation’s stability.
"(His Majesty) was so relieved (because) by virtue of our stand, that gave (His Majesty) room to decide what will be best for the country," he said.
Fadillah stressed that prior to Anwar Ibrahim's appointment as prime minister on Nov 24 last year, there were no negotiations with the other coalitions.
Asked if GPS had attached DAP's apology as a condition for joining Anwar's government, Fadillah replied, "not really".
"I think it was a good gesture by (DAP secretary-general) Anthony Loke. He came (to Kuching) and apologised to our premier.
"But as I told you, GPS' primary objective is to form a stable and strong government... We can't afford to be playing politics anymore," he said.
Fadillah was coy when asked if GPS was surprised that DAP's top brass from Kuala Lumpur were the ones doing the apology and not its Sarawak chapter, led by the Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen - a fierce and abrasive GPS critic.
"That you have to ask my premier. I was not involved in that. I don't know," he said while laughing.
Sarawak is stable
Fadillah dismissed the possibility that GPS would form a unity government at the state level with federal-level allies, or that the party was open to a new electoral pact.
He explained that, unlike some states in Peninsula Malaysia, Sarawak's government was very stable and thus, there was no need to "rock the boat".
As for the forthcoming state elections, which must be held by 2026 at the latest, he said there was no need for an electoral pact as GPS would field candidates for all the 82 Sarawak seats.
"Our stand is that Sarawak is best managed by Sarawak-based parties. Whoever wants to contest (in Sarawak) will have to go against us.
"I believe Anwar, Loke and (Amanah leader) Mohamad Sabu will appreciate what we have done in terms of supporting the prime minister (and allowing them) to be part of the government.
"If they appreciate that, then I believe they will also respect GPS when it comes to the state election," he said.
One party that did not respect its former ally was Bersatu - which fielded three candidates in Sarawak during the November elections last year.
One of three - Ali Biju - was successful and created history by making Bersatu the third Peninsular Malaysia- based party to win a seat in Sarawak.
On whether GPS viewed PN's rapid expansion in Peninsular Malaysia as a threat, Fadillah chose a measured answer.
"As far as GPS is concerned, we will work for the people of Sarawak. Whoever comes to Sarawak, we will treat them as opposition and contest against them.
"During an election, GPS will stand in all the seats in Sarawak, be it (against) Perikatan, PKR or whoever they are," he stressed. - Mkini
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