Sarawakians want political stability

Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough to be honest.

– Benjamin Franklin, American statesman

The majority of Sarawakians do not wish to see any more political coup and they are not interested to be involved in the political mess and chaos in Malaya.

Truth be told. Sarawakians are happy and relieved to know that the so-called Dubai Move has failed and failed miserably. This is yet another heinous attempt at treachery, which if true, must be condemned and never allowed to succeed.

Sarawakians prefer to see the unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim last its full five-year term. Even the majority of Malaysians choose to let Anwar serve out his term, even if they harbour some disappointment with the prime minister and his administration for whatever reason.

Only those in the opposition Perikatan Nasional and their cohorts want Anwar to fall because they are political desperados who want to be in power.

Sarawakians want political stability; we have enough of the upheavals and change of governments at federal level. We want to move on with our lives, work hard and help the nation prosper.

I believe we are aware that the active participation and engagement of citizens are crucial for the progress and prosperity of a nation.

Indeed, I’m proud to say that we, Sarawakians, know that a sense of civic duty, responsibility, and active engagement create the foundation for a thriving and sustainable society. That is the vital role we have to play in the development of our nation.

Last Sunday, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg spoke up for Sarawak and Sarawakians when he declared again that Anwar should continue helming the country until the end of the Parliament’s term.

He stressed that according to the democratic system, the leader of the government should be chosen through elections, adding that support for Anwar was important so that there is stability for the federal government to govern with more focus.

“If there already is a prime minister, then let him finish, as the government determined by democracy is when elections are held, so the decision must remain till it’s done.

“If (we change prime ministers) in midterm, it will lead to an uncertain situation and the people will be the victims,” he said during the ‘Seven Years with YAB Sarawak Premier’ townhall session in Kuching.

I’m particularly pleased that the premier also mentioned that he was “not dumb enough to be plunged into the peninsula’s political mess”. He was dismissing speculations connecting him to the Dubai Move – an alleged plot to topple the government and the prime minister.

It is true that Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has never betrayed any of its partners or allies or partook in any treacherous plot to overthrow a government that it was a part of.

I doubt GPS leaders would be so dumb as to taint themselves in a plot to overthrow the unity government it is a part of and in which it has been playing a major role.

Why, even a GPS leader, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, is a deputy prime minister and that is how much honour and respect is accorded Sarawak by the Madani government.

Why should GPS partake in any dirty plot to overthrow a legitimate government and one that was established by royal decree?

I’m aware of the negative perception against GPS during the Sheraton Move in 2020. My take on the matter is that was a completely different scenario.

GPS was a partner in the BN when it contested in the 14th general election in 2018. At that time, Pakatan Harapan was their opponent. GPS was not a PH partner. When the Sheraton Move took place, GPS was in the opposition at federal level.

GPS betrayed no one. It only took advantage of the treacherous plot hatched by the traitors in PH, and rightly so. PH was the enemy and in politics, you want to see your opponent down and out.

Today, Abang Johari and GPS have taken a wise and correct stand. No more dirty games, no more backdoor prime minister, let Anwar finish his term as prime minister.

More importantly, the message is to respect democracy and the voice of the people. A government is elected once in every five years. Let the verdict of the people be respected.

The Sarawak premier and GPS were right to denounce political treachery as it undermines the principles of democracy, trust in government, and the overall well-being of society.

Well done, Abang Johari and GPS. Sarawakians support your stand of non-involvement in the political mess in Malaya.

The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.