SIBU: Cooperation between Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties must be maintained and strengthened as the election draws nearer, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister said the atmosphere leading up to the upcoming election is somewhat different, as all parties appear to be very quiet about it.
“This, to me, is a good sign because it shows that we are very, very strong at the moment.
“Nobody dares to challenge us this time around, and I hope that in the next election, no opposition party will dare to contest all the seats.
“Hopefully, we will win handsomely again in the next election,” he said in his speech at the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Bawang Assan Branch Gawai Dayak celebration on Friday night.
However, Dr Annuar cautioned that GPS must remain vigilant, citing a Malay proverb: “air yang tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya” (still water runs deep), implying that complacency is dangerous, and sometimes the threat comes from within the party itself.
“So I hope PDP members, as well as all other component party members, understand that we have no other option but to work together to win the next election,” he stressed.
Dr Annuar, who is also the Nangka assemblyman, pledged his full support to any GPS component party contesting in the election.
“That is the guarantee of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“When the leadership has made a decision, we will ensure that the candidate wins in the next state election.
“Therefore, this cooperation must be maintained.
“Cooperation between component parties must be preserved and, if possible, strengthened in the next state election,” he said.
Dr Annuar also urged Sarawakians to unite regardless of background and race, as Sarawak has become an example to the rest of the nation.
“We are the only state that not only has political stability, but more importantly, our people can live together in harmony.
“That is very important because, with more than 27 ethnic groups, we cannot afford to quarrel among ourselves.
“Therefore, I urge all my fellow Sarawakians, particularly at this time, as we aim to reclaim our rights under MA63., there is no better weapon than unity in fighting for our rights under MA63,” he said.
He added that while the leaders are negotiating, the rakyat must remain united in supporting them.
“When the next election comes, we must show that we fully support our leadership in fighting for the rights of the people of Sarawak.
“I’m sure we all want to see that happen in the near future.
“We want to ensure that everything enshrined under MA63 and the IGC Report, particularly Paragraph 17, which concerns education, returns to the people of Sarawak.
“The people of Sarawak should have the authority to determine their own educational policies, which are crucial for the future of Sarawakians,” he added.
