DAP is Sarawak’s sworn enemy, Abang Jo says

Desmond Davidson Desmond Davidson Updated 3 years ago · Published on 5 Sep 2020 7:54PM · 8 Comments

Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg says DAP’s stinging criticism of GPS’ policies is the main reason why the state ruling coalition rejects the peninsula-based party. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, September 5, 2020.

DAP will always be Sarawak’s enemy, Abang Johari Openg declared today.

Addressing members of his Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu at a convention in Miri, the chief minister said DAP’s stinging criticism of Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) policies is the main reason why the state ruling coalition rejects the peninsula-based party.

GPS also snubbed Sarawak DAP’s attempt to secure its support for Pakatan Harapan during February’s political crisis.

Abang Johari said state DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen tried to woo GPS to prevent PH’s collapse.

This was after several Bersatu and PKR lawmakers ditched their parties to form Perikatan Nasional. The crossovers, coupled with GPS’ support for the Muhyiddin Yassin-led PN, ultimately led to the previous government’s fall.

Chong had said the state DAP was willing to make concessions and cooperate with GPS in “the interest of the nation” and to “prevent extremists from seizing power through their backdoor operation”.

“Our country is at a crossroads, and GPS must choose whether to go along with the Umno-PAS alliance or preserve the progressive PH coalition.

“I appeal to GPS leaders to put aside their past political differences and work with PH to save our country from going down the path of destruction.”

Abang Johari said he was incensed by an accusation hurled by Lim Guan Eng at a Kuching event in June last year, in which the DAP secretary-general said the state would go bankrupt in three years because of GPS’ spending.

Lim, who was then finance minister, said Sarawak’s reserves of RM31 billion would be used up in three years if the pact kept up its annual budget of RM11 billion.

“Now, (are we) bankrupt? Our money (state reserves) in the bank is still piled high,” said Abang Johari.

“Once you are an enemy, you will always be an enemy.

“I’m not saying we cannot switch sides, (but) they think we are stupid (when it comes to managing our finances).

“When they accused us of going bankrupt, that I cannot accept.”

He said it is also difficult for GPS to reconcile with DAP after the Finance Ministry headed by Lim cancelled many projects that were approved by the Barisan Nasional administration. – September 5, 2020.

Sign up or sign in here to comment.

Comments

  • Previous CM will not speak like this

    Posted 3 years ago by Angeline Yee · Reply

  • Previous CM will not speak like this

    Posted 3 years ago by Angeline Yee · Reply

  • Keep up your political rhetorics against those who stand up against corruption and support rule of law, just for youe power and fame, let's wait and see how long you will remain in power!

    Posted 3 years ago by Malaysian Earthling · Reply

  • But you have no problem working with PAS which spreads divisiveness and creates disunity and worst makes slanderous disparaging untrue and disgusting remarks about Christianity. You have no issue working with UMNO whose many leaders are mired in corruption and facing corruption trials as well as engaging in racial and religious polemics that will destroy this country. Abang Jo prefers to work with criminals, miscreants, racists and bigots.

    Posted 3 years ago by Michael Raj · Reply

  • This stupid Jo is blaming the wrong guy. For 60 years Sarawak has been dealing with BN regime, shortchanged by BN regime. Furthermore you have one most corrupt ex-CM that has plundered Sarawak's natural resources for his own personal gain. DAP WAS NEVER in the government. How can they be your enemy????!!!

    Posted 3 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Put your pride aside for the sake of your people and the countrys future. So to spite DAP you are willing to put your state, your people and the country in the hands of a kleptocratic government? As a chief minister there is no place for personal grudges. Learn to forgive and work towards a better Malaysia. Adenan would not have done this if he was the CM.

    Posted 3 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

    • Pride goes before a fall, period!

      Posted 3 years ago by Malaysian Earthling · Reply

  • You mean Your sworn enemy. Not Sarawaks enemy as Sarawakians want accountability. Sarawak taxpayers are happy DAP is challenging you to be accountable. Sarawakians have had enough of kleptocrats both homegrown ones from your party and the UMNO ones you are partying with.

    Posted 3 years ago by Loyal Malaysian · Reply