KUCHING: The opposition Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) has reiterated its willingness to support the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government in the interest of unity and stability.
PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh also said the party would back the Federal unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"We recognise that at this crucial stage of our state development, political unity, solidarity and stability are the important elements that cannot be faulted and should be the targets to aim for.
"People occupying positions of leadership and influence should lead their followers to these ideals," the Bawang Assan assemblyman said when debating the 2024 state budget in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly on Thursday (Nov 23).
Wong said realistic and responsible political attitudes were required in the present political environment, with the nation being threatened by increasing forces of religious and racial extremism.
"The choice in front of us is obvious. People of all races and religions must rally behind the unity government under Anwar to enable him to carry out his objectives of Malaysia Madani and at state level, the people-first GPS government under Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to enable him to realise his post-Covid-19 development strategy to bring about a high-income society and developed Sarawak," he said.
Wong also said elected representatives must play their role of check-and-balance and to speak up on behalf of the people's concerns and interests.
He said sensitive issues such as seeking equality and justice for all communities should be collectively deliberated to secure a workable consensus in the spirit of cooperation and goodwill.
"We must not be shackled by racial emotions. We must open ourselves to a broader Sarawakian perspective, rather than getting trapped in a narrow, parochial tunnel vision," he said.
Wong's speech underscores PSB's shift towards GPS since signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) in July for both parties to work together.
PDP is a GPS component party.
Last month, PSB pledged its support for GPS candidate Iskandar Turkee in the Jepak by-election.
