Sarawak's PBB: We are not frogs desperate to join Pakatan

SIBU: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone of Sarawak Barisan Nasional, says it will maintain its political integrity and not act like "political frogs" to join Pakatan Harapan.

"We are not desperate because we know where our political strength lies," said Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Office Abdullah Saidol in his press statement on Saturday (May 12).

He said this to refute rumours claiming that PBB was joining Pakatan to form the government.

Talk had been rife that Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had met Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud on the possibility of Sarawak Barisan joining Pakatan.

"We Sarawakian are always proud of ourselves and will stay united in diversity. We appreciate the democratic principle of agreeing to disagree," he added.

Abdullah Saidol said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had clearly stated that the Sarawak government is prepared to cooperate with the elected Pakatan-led Federal Government.

"We will ensure such cooperation will not be detrimental or diminish Sarawak's interest and must be in accordance with the Federal Constitution.

"The Sarawak government will also closely monitor the progress of Pakatan's effort to fulfill their manisfesto or promises, especially those related to Sarawak interests," he added.

He said Sarawak Government would not abandon its desire to pursue the devolution of powers from Federal Government and to regain the state's legitimate rights as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) or as stipulated under the Federal Constitution.

"We will consider all available options to ensure our demand will earn the desired attention, respect and result," he said.

He added that they respect the people's verdict on the result of the election with an open heart and pledge to work even harder for the interest of all Sarawakians.