GPS agrees to join the PN Cabinet

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has confirmed that his party would be represented in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Cabinet.

This would be the first time Members of Parliament (MPs) from GPS were to be appointed after it was established two years ago.

The cabinet would be based on the "PN Plus GPS" formula.

However, he refused to name the MPs but left it to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to make the announcement.

“We have been invited by the Federal Government under the Prime Minister to join the Cabinet (two days ago).

"Therefore, we have decided to join the Cabinet which will be formed," he said at a press conference here on Saturday.

He said the decision was taken on the basis of saving the country from political and economic turmoil.

The appointment, he added, would not affect Sarawak's previous claims including pursuing their rights as per the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63) and demand that Petronas give the state five percent oil royalty.

“One of the advantages is that we will be able to continue to fight for what the people of Sarawak want through GPS.

"This means that the voices and aspirations of the people of Sarawak will continue to be heard in the Cabinet," he added.

Meanwhile, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Vice-President, Datuk Julaihi Narawi, said his party supported all GPS decisions.

"There are many things that we have been fighting for over the years and continue to be a priority for Sarawak even though we are with the federal government today," he said.

For the record, GPS continues to adhere to the principles of being government-friendly and not a member of the Perikatan Nasional.