PM Anwar confident ‘tebuk atap’ episode will not happen

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed confidence that the ‘tebuk atap’ episode of changing administrations through backdoor manoeuvres would not happen as the current government enjoys strong support from Sarawak.

The Prime Minister said that at a recent meeting, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had reiterated his firm stand to maintain the Unity Government until the next general election.

“In the current political situation, the role or stand of GPS is quite critical because only with statements and support from leading parties of Sarawak (GPS) and Sabah (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) can such a change (of government) happen.

“Any attempt of ‘tebuk atap’ would only have basis if room is given by these two states (Sarawak and Sabah)... I pick this session to state that the ‘tebuk atap’ case, if it’s going to use again the Sabah and Sarawak support (narrative), it would nullify itself,” he said.

Anwar said this at a dialogue session with editors-in-chief and senior editors of the electronic, print and online media here today.

Anwar said Abang Johari had revealed that there were several desperate attempts to persuade him and his party but he had firmly rejected them.

“He said in several latest meetings there were such attempts and he consistently told them firmly that he would not entertain any discussions to disrupt ties between Sarawak and Federal and also ties with the Unity Government,” he added.

Apart from this, Anwar said the good ties among parties in the Unity Government clearly show that the current government is strong.

“After one year and the government is stable. And collaboration between the parties, Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, GPS and GRS is much stronger.

“I have not encountered any single serious problem in our attempts to undertake or effect changes or reform. And I’m more confident now after one year with that experience, some adjustment in the Cabinet that we can forge ahead with some speed and certainty,“ he said. - Bernama