GABUNGAN Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) support for a prime minister candidate will be based on who best takes care of the state’s interest, Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said today.

He also reiterated his stand that GPS will not work with DAP.

“I give the assurance that whatever decision we leaders in GPS make, we will defend Sarawak rights and interests first,” the chief minister said at the launch of GPS’ Belaga and Murum zones in Belaga today.

“We look after our own house first. If they ask us for our help, we will help but they must know what we want in return.

“If the help is not reciprocated, we will not help,” said Abang Johari, who is also GPS president.

He added that the coalition of Sarawak-based parties would also support the candidate who is able to restore peace and stability to the country as quickly as possible.

GPS yesterday said it would only confirm its official stand on its candidate for prime minister tomorrow (Sunday).

However, its parliamentary whip Fadillah Yusof was seen going to Istana Negara to meet the Yang Di Pertuan Agong with Bersatu, Umno and PAS this morning. Fadillah was also at the residence of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin.

GPS comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu, Parti Rakyat Sarawak, the Sarawak United People’s Party and the Progressive Democratic Party.

The coalition has 18 MPs. Supporters of both Dr Mahathir and Muhyiddin Yassin, who are now in the race to be prime minister are hoping GPS will add to their numbers and give them a decisive majority.

Dr Mahathir, PKR, DAP and Amanah currently have 93 MPs, and Muhyiddin, 96.

GPS parties left Barisan Nasional after the 14th general election 2018 but have not aligned with any bloc at federal level.

Abang Johari said GPS’ “value” as an independent bloc was now evident.

“After GE14, people asked us, why leave BN, why form GPS? Today I give you the answer.

“Now you know the value of GPS. They are all tripping over one another to secure our support.”

Abang Johari said in return for GPS’ support, the aspiring prime minister must “live up to what has been agreed” in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, and grant more autonomy to the state.

“If you want our support, you pay the tax first,” he added, in reference to the refusal of national petroleum company Petronas to pay the state sales tax on petroleum products.

Petronas is challenging the demand for payment in court.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported Abang Johari as saying that GPS would take a cautious approach when making any decision pertaining to the crisis.

GPS does not support any leadership that is inconsistent in its stand to the extent of causing turmoil in the country and unable to prioritise Sarawak, he said. – February 29, 2020.