BY ALEXANDRA LORNA & JAMES WONG
KUCHING: All component parties in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) are urged to align with the framework established when GPS was formed.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has emphasised the importance of unity and teamwork among GPS component parties to ensure continued stability and growth for Sarawak.
“Our primary duty is to maintain security and ensure all GPS component parties comply with the original framework. We cannot underwrite or underscore or play around within GPS.
“Oppose these people outside GPS. Friends must be friends in GPS. And we work as a team,” he said.
He said this in his speech when officiating at the closing ceremony of the 26th Sarawak United Peoples’s Party (SUPP) Triennial Delegates Conference (TDC) held at Dewan Sa’ati, SUPP Headquarters here on Sunday.
Abang Johari also highlighted the strong historical ties between GPS component parties, particularly SUPP and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“SUPP and PBB have been like siblings from the beginning. Even though leadership changes, our friendship remains intact,” he stated, referencing past leaders like the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and the late Pehin Sri Tan Sri Adenan Satem.
The Premier also called on party leaders to focus on grooming the next generation of leaders to ensure a seamless transition of power.
“It is the leaders’ responsibility to develop the second echelon. A party weakens when internal divisions emerge. Unity is key to success,” he said.
Reflecting on the leadership transitions within PBB, Abang Johari shared his experiences in supporting party decisions, even during challenging times.
“When Tun Taib asked me to succeed Adenan Satem, I accepted because I am loyal to the party. It was a smooth process, and we continue to work as a team,” he said.
He commended SUPP for organising a smooth and successful conference and expressed confidence in GPS’ future performance.
“And I can think with this strength, the next election, we will maintain. If not, we win more in the next election,” he said.
He also acknowledged the collective efforts of his deputies and other leaders in making well-considered policy decisions.
“In Sarawak, we decide collectively. I’m not alone. This teamwork is how we prepare for everything,” said Abang Johari.
