GPS ensures unity government continues to rule

KUCHING: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), as what has been agreed by its leadership is to ensure the unity government continues to lead the country.

In stating this, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this is important in ensuring political stability, while putting national interest above anything else.

“If you want to accelerate the country’s economy, the basis for investors is that they look at the country’s political stability. When politics is stable, investors will then see the policies and strategies announced by the government in the context of investment and whether it is business friendly to the business communities.

“This is something we need to pay attention to and we want to continue to attract foreign investors. So, when our economy continues to grow, from there we are able to continue to look after the welfare of the ‘rakyat’ (citizens),” he said.

He said this to reporters when asked if GPS will continue to support the present government should there be a possibility of a reshuffling of the federal Cabinet.

Earlier, the GPS chief whip attended the closing ceremony of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) skills promotional programme held at SMK Tun Ahmad Zaidi, Jalan Sultan Tengah on Saturday.

When pressed further on when a Cabinet reshuffle would be expected, Fadillah responded, “I am unaware of it. That you have to ask the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. There is no discussion with me.”

As to whether the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle will further contribute to political stability, he said that the (calling for a Cabinet reshuffle) is the prerogative of the Prime Minister.

“…It is certain that he (Anwar) will assess whether the ministers can perform their duties or not, or whether the ministry concerned is suitable or not with the abilities, capabilities and skills of the ministers.

“That is why I say it is the prerogative of the Prime Ministers. If he wants to form a Cabinet, he has to look for the ministers who can cooperate, carry out his or her duties and trusts as expected,” he said.

On whether the Cabinet reshuffle will involve GPS’s MPs, Fadillah, who is also the Petra Jaya MP said the matter will only be determined should it happen.

It was previously reported that on Dec 1, Anwar had jokingly said a Cabinet reshuffle might happen before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle started after the post of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister fell vacate following the demise of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23.