Latest news with #GabunganPartiSarawak
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
‘Why not Abang Jo as next PM?': Ex-PKR Sarawak member calls for national rethink on leadership
KUCHING, July 17 — The achievements of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in leading Sarawak deserves more national attention and ought to make him a candidate to become Malaysia's next Prime Minister, said Voon Shiak Ni. The former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak member said it was 'intellectually lazy' for political loyalists in the peninsula to suggest that no one is suitably qualified to succeed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the nation's leader. 'Such sentiments reveal an entrenched culture of political patronage that discredits the rich talent pool we have across Malaysia,' she said in a statement yesterday. Voon, who quit PKR in 2020 after losing faith in the party's leadership, said Abang Johari has demonstrated statesmanship and visionary governance since taking over from the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2017. She said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government under his stewardship has maintained political stability and a clear vision for the future of the state. 'Unlike many federal leaders entangled in party politics and populist rhetoric, the Sarawak Premier brings a technocratic and pragmatic approach. 'His ability to balance state interests with national cohesion makes him uniquely positioned to navigate the complex federal dynamics that Malaysia so urgently needs to address.' She added that a transparent and credible leadership is essential to galvanise and lead any nation. 'This is where Abang Johari clearly leads the pack, and he has proven his ability to deliver which will no doubt inspire the nation as it navigates the difficult waters of international relations,' she said. 'Why should (the country's) leadership be confined to Malaya? The belief… is not only outdated, it is detrimental to our unity.' She concluded by saying the time has come for Malaysians to evaluate leadership based on merit and not geography or political allegiance, with leaders like Abang Johari deserving a place in the national conversation. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Violet Yong slams GPS' 99-seat plan as ‘distortion of constitutional facts'
Yong says linking the increase of state seats to parliamentary seats was false, misleading and legally baseless. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 17): Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong strongly refuted claims by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and its component parties that the proposed increase in state assembly seats to 99 is a necessary step to increasing Sarawak's parliamentary representation. Yong in a statement yesterday described the narrative as a 'blatant distortion of constitutional facts', and said it revealed the 'alarming ignorance of GPS leaders and their cyber-troopers'. 'Let me state clearly – under Article 46(1) of the Federal Constitution, parliamentary seats can be increased via constitutional amendment without increasing Sarawak's state seats. The two are entirely independent processes,' she said. Yong cited several examples where previous increases in parliamentary seats were not affected by the changes in state seats. 'In 1974, parliamentary seats increased to 154 but Sarawak state seats remained unchanged at 48. In 1986, parliamentary seats increased to 177 and Sarawak still had 48 seats until 1987. 'In 1995, parliamentary seats increased to 192 and Sarawak remained at 56 state seats until 1996. In 2004, parliament increased seats to 219, and Sarawak had 62 seats until 2005. 'In 2005, Sarawak increased its state seats to 71 without any parliamentary seat increase,' she said, adding that these examples debunked GPS' claims. She said linking the increase of state seats to parliamentary seats was false, misleading and legally baseless. Yong alleged the increase was not about better representation but a politically-motivated gerrymandering exercise by GPS to tighten its grip on power, similar to what Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) did in the past. She claimed the unfairness was clear, with rural seats like Gedong, Sadong Jaya, Pelagus and Kelaka – each with fewer than 10,000 voters – were carved out to protect GPS' strongholds, whereas urban constituencies such as Pending, Batu Lintang, Kota Sentosa and Pelawan had 30,000 to 40,000 voters each yet remained un-split and under-represented. 'One rural vote now carries the weight of three urban votes – a clear breach of the democratic principle of 'one person, one vote'. This is a deliberate strategy to silence urban voices, which tend to be politically informed, independent and critical of GPS rule.' She urged the Election Commission to act impartially and resist political pressure, and proposed that any redelineation exercise must prioritise splitting overpopulated urban seats such as Pending, Padungan, Batu Lintang and Pelawan; reflect actual population growth and not GPS' political interests; and uphold fairness, transparency and constitutional integrity. 'Sarawakians deserve an electoral system based on genuine demographic realities, not one rigged to keep GPS in power. We will not remain silent as our democratic rights are undermined – we will continue to expose manipulation, misrepresentation and abuse of the redelineation process.' DUN seats gps lead violet yong
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
‘Why not Abg Jo as next PM?': Ex-PKR S'wak member calls for national rethink on leadership
Voon says it was 'intellectually lazy' for political loyalists in the peninsula to suggest that no one is suitably qualified to succeed Anwar as the nation's leader. KUCHING (July 17): The achievements of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in leading Sarawak deserves more national attention and ought to make him a candidate to become Malaysia's next Prime Minister, said Voon Shiak Ni. The former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak member said it was 'intellectually lazy' for political loyalists in the peninsula to suggest that no one is suitably qualified to succeed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the nation's leader. 'Such sentiments reveal an entrenched culture of political patronage that discredits the rich talent pool we have across Malaysia,' she said in a statement yesterday. Voon, who quit PKR in 2020 after losing faith in the party's leadership, said Abang Johari has demonstrated statesmanship and visionary governance since taking over from the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in 2017. She said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak government under his stewardship has maintained political stability and a clear vision for the future of the state. 'Unlike many federal leaders entangled in party politics and populist rhetoric, the Sarawak Premier brings a technocratic and pragmatic approach. 'His ability to balance state interests with national cohesion makes him uniquely positioned to navigate the complex federal dynamics that Malaysia so urgently needs to address.' She added that a transparent and credible leadership is essential to galvanise and lead any nation. 'This is where Abang Johari clearly leads the pack, and he has proven his ability to deliver which will no doubt inspire the nation as it navigates the difficult waters of international relations,' she said. 'Why should (the country's) leadership be confined to Malaya? The belief… is not only outdated, it is detrimental to our unity.' She concluded by saying the time has come for Malaysians to evaluate leadership based on merit and not geography or political allegiance, with leaders like Abang Johari deserving a place in the national conversation. Abang Johari lead next PM Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strategic projects set to drive development in Selangau, assures assemblyman
Gira (third right) presents a cheque to one MRP fund recipient, as Sempurai (fourth left) and others look on. SELANGAU (July 14): Several strategic development projects are meant for implementation in Selangau. In giving this assurance, Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira lists a mini sports complex, upgrading works on an access road to Selangau Bazaar, and the construction of stretches connecting Rumah Uban and Ulu Mukah as well as Nanga Selangau and Rumah Dinggai, as among those being planned for the district. 'These various new development initiatives will drive rural development,' he said in officiating at the 'Mangkung Tiang' (housewarming) in Rumah Lawang Umpon, Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau here last Saturday. Organised by the village development and security committee (JKKK) of Bukit Baru Sungai Melinau, the programme meant to revive the custom symbolising the beginning of life in a new longhouse, as well as the spirit of family, unity and the continuity of ancestral culture of the Iban community. Adding on, Gira also congratulated the residents of Rumah Lawang for their efforts in building a modern, organised and comfortable longhouse. He described the success as a positive sign of the economic growth of rural communities, and also an 'evidence' of the effectiveness of the state government's development policies under the ruling coalition, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). 'This longhouse is not only a symbol of culture, but also a symbol of shared success. 'We want to see longhouses not just as a physical heritage, but also as active and developed community centres.' Gira also stressed the importance of electrical safety in longhouses, calling for the existing wiring system be upgraded further. 'This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of overloading that can cause fires, in line with the increase in electricity consumption in today's longhouses,' he added. Later at the event, Gira presented Minor Rural Programme (MRP) allocations totalling RM369,000 to 25 recipients including longhouse JKKKs, local sports and youth associations, and educational institutions. The assemblyman also announced an additional special allocation of RM25,000 for Rumah Lawang in support of its community activities. Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai was among those present. christopher gira development projects lead Selangau
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Fadillah to brief GPS, GRS MPs on current national issues
Fadillah fields questions from reporters. – Photo by Galileo Petingi KUCHING (July 12): Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof will meet with all MPs from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) for briefing on current national issues. Following the recent special meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Barisan Nasional MPs, Fadillah said the discussion mostly involved government components from Peninsular Malaysia, such as Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Umno. He said as there were no urgent matters requiring direct engagement, GPS and GRS MPs do not need to attend a similar session with the Prime Minister. 'I will brief all GPS and GRS MPs. We understand the current issues, and I am able to interact directly with them. 'The number of GPS MPs is small and our communication is effective. We've already discussed these matters in the Cabinet, and I know which issues need to be clarified for our colleagues in GPS and GRS. 'However, if invited, we will meet with the Prime Minister. It's unrealistic to expect him to do everything, so I can play a role myself,' he told reporters after visiting the Centre for Technical Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) here this afternoon. Fadillah said this internal approach was more practical, saving time and allowing the government to stay focused on administrative affairs. He also revealed plans for a Unity Government retreat involving all MPs, ministers, and deputy ministers. Separately, Fadillah said he will travel to Sabah next week for a technical meeting related to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which will focus on ensuring the state's rights within the Federation are upheld. 'This visit to Sabah is not related to current political issues. It pertains to MA63 technical matters, which are essential to ensuring Sabah's rights continue to be strengthened within the Federation,' he said. Fadillah reiterated GPS's commitment to supporting government stability and prioritising Sarawak's development and the people's welfare. fadillah yusof gps GRS lead meeting national issues
