KUCHING, May 12 — Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) is not quitting the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition to be part of Pakatan Harapan (PH), Abdullah Saidol, chief political secretary to Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Abang Johari Openg, said today.
“PBB will maintain our political integrity and will not act like frogs. We are not desperate because we know where our political strength lies,” he said, in response to news reports on the matter.
Seventh Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had reportedly met with Sarawak Governor Tun Taib Mahmud to discuss the possibility of PBB and other Sarawak-based parties joining the PH federal government.
Saidol, who is also assistant minister of corporate affairs, said the news reports were downright hogwash and based on rumours.
He added that Sarawakians are a proud people who are united in their diversity.
“We respect the people’s verdict with an open heart and pledge to work even harder for the interests all Sarawakians,” he said, referring to the shocking defeat of the federal BN to PH in the May 9 polls.
Saidol said the chief minister had clearly said the state government is prepared, within the ambit of a federal system, to administratively cooperate with the elected PH federal government.
“We will ensure such cooperation will not be detrimental or diminished Sarawak’s interest and must be in accordance with the Federal Constitution,” Saidol said.
He added that Sarawak will be tracking closely the PH administration’s ability to fulfil its election promises, especially those related to Borneo interests.
Saidol said that the state government will not abandon the desire to pursue the devolution of powers from the federal government and to regain all legitimate rights of Sarawak, either those enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) or stipulated under the Federal Constitution.
“We will consider all available options to ensure our demands will earn the desired attention, respect and result,” he said, adding that the state government always acts with the interests and future of all Sarawakians in mind.
Saidol also hit out at Sarawak PH chairman Chong Chieng Jen for his knee-jerk reaction to the rumours.
“If Chong wishes to unilaterally catch thieves and corrupt politicians, perhaps he should investigate those leaders in their own dens,” he said.
He asked the state DAP chief to look into his own house for corrupt leaders.
He insisted that both DAP and PKR leaders have a tendency to “whitewash” corrupt leaders, leading to Sarawak members of the mostly Chinese party.
