GABUNGAN Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to support the unity government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim till the next general election, its chairman Abang Johari Openg said.

He said the support was important to ensure stability that will allow the federal government to administer the country with better focus.

“We give you (Anwar) full support and have a stable federal government until the next election,” the Sarawak premier said during his speech at the national-level Malaysia Day 2023 celebration in Unity Stadium, Kuching, tonight.

The event was attended by Anwar, acting Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and other dignitaries.

Abang Johari said although Sarawak and Sabah were pursuing several matters, especially under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), it did not mean that both the states could not work together with those in Peninsula Malaysia for the good of the country.

“The setting up of the unity government is proof that differences are not obstacles to unity,” he said, adding that the GPS government in Sarawak was grateful to the federal government for its readiness to return Sarawak and Sabah their rights as stipulated under the Federal Constitution and MA63.

Abang Johari said Sarawak folk desire that the state’s rights and special position in the constitution and MA63 continue to be respected, as agreed by the country’s leaders in 1963.

“Sarawak may be accused of being provincial where demands are concerned. The people of Sarawak only want our rights and have no intention of seizing the rights of others,” he said, adding that September 16 and August 31 were equally important, as both dates are irrevocably linked to the founding of the country.

“Personally, I don’t think we need to debate about those dates, but to focus on efforts to unify regions and bring our people together and ensure development is equally distributed.

“Also, what’s important about Malaysia Day celebrations is to allow all Malaysians to be aware that our country spans from Kangar to Kuching and all the way to Kota Kinabalu in the east,” he added. – Bernama, September 16, 2023.