KUCHING: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s attendance at a Pakatan Harapan (PH) campaign event in Johor was in a personal capacity and does not represent Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
In a statement today (June 22), the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth Wing said his presence at the event should not be construed as an endorsement by GPS.
“GPS has consistently maintained its long-standing position of not interfering in or participating in election matters in other states.
“This principle remains unchanged and continues to guide our political conduct and approach,” it explained.
Earlier, PDP Youth said that accompanying the Prime Minister on an official engagement should not be automatically interpreted as political endorsement of any coalition.
PDP Youth chief Yiak Chiong Wei had said Tiong, who is also the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, attended the programme in his official capacity as a federal minister.
However, the wing pointed out that the event in Johor is a political rally and not a government event.
“Therefore, it is incorrect to assume that the PDP president attended in his capacity as a Cabinet minister to accompany the Prime Minister.
“Any suggestion to the contrary is baseless and does not reflect our established and consistent political stance,” the statement said.
At the same time, it reminded all GPS leaders and members to remain guided by the coalition’s agreed principles and political direction in both their conduct and actions.
It said maintaining unity and cohesion among GPS component parties was important to ensure the coalition remained focused on safeguarding Sarawak’s rights and advancing its development agenda.
“A strong and united front is fundamental to ensuring that the coalition’s mandate and responsibilities to the people of Sarawak are effectively carried out,” it added.
