17-05-2025
GPS components must stay vigilant ahead of state election, says PBB veep
Dr Annuar speaks during the Pre-Gawai Programme.
SIBU (May 17): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee has cautioned all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties against becoming complacent, despite the coalition's current position of strength.
He stressed the importance of staying vigilant and proactive, especially with the next state election expected as early as next year.
'Some may not realise it, but based on the current term, the state election is due next year and that's not far off. Thus, we must be fully prepared and remain on guard.
'Never assume we are too strong to fail. As the saying goes, 'Still waters run deep', the greatest threats may come not from the outside, but from within. We cannot afford to let our guard down,' he said at the 2025 Pre-Gawai Programme for N.53 Bawang Assan here on Friday.
Also present wasTourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing as the event's guest of honour.
Other attendees included Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh; Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian; Meluan assemblyman Roland Duat Jubin; Krian assemblyman Friday Belik; Senator Pele Peter Tinggom; political secretaries to the Sarawak Premier Joshua Ting and Brian Fong; PDP Bawang Assan chairman Councillor Wong Hua; and the programme's organising chairman Tuai Rumah Bujang Ujeh.
Dr Annuar expressed hope that no opposition party would contest the Bawang Assan seat, saying that GPS must remain united and focused on retaining the constituency.
'There is no other formula for success than through strong cooperation. The spirit of unity among GPS component parties must not only be maintained, it must be strengthened,' he said.
He also assured that PBB would give its full backing to any candidate fielded by GPS in Bawang Assan.
'PBB is fully committed to the GPS cause. We will support any candidate, as long as they are from one of our component parties. Once the leadership has made its decision, we will rally behind that candidate to ensure victory,' said the Nangka assemblyman.
Adding on, he reiterated GPS' resolve to pursue the full return of Sarawak's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), with particular focus on education autonomy.
'As State Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, I will work to ensure that the education autonomy promised under Paragraph 17 of the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report is restored to Sarawak.
'This is not a struggle we can fight alone. The people must stand united behind us so we can reclaim what rightfully belongs to Sarawak,' he said.
On the upcoming Gawai celebration, he said the festival holds a special place in his calendar, and should be celebrated by all Sarawakians regardless of background in the same spirit as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.
'Our harmony and unity in Sarawak, built across more than 27 ethnic groups, is a source of pride and a model for the nation. Political stability is our foundation.
'With this unity and harmony as our strength, I am confident and I promise that PBB, PDP and the other GPS component parties will continue working to reclaim Sarawak's rights from Putrajaya in the near future,' he said. dr annuar rapaee gps PBB state election
