Mere change of name is meaningless, says Chong

KUCHING: Unless there is a clear change in policies by the Sarawak government, a mere change of name from Sarawak Barisan Nasional to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) was meaningless, said state Pakatan Harapan chairman Chong Chieng Jen.

He said pulling out of Barisan would not make any difference in the state’s political landscape as they were still the same component parties with the same old policies.

Chong also criticised GPS for abandoning Barisan.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed, and PBB, PRS, PDP and SUPP surely did not subscribe to such a notion. They were only friends in good times but in difficult times, they had no hesitation to dump their friends,” said Chong.

He pointed out it was only months ago that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and SUPP president Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian sang praises about Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak being the best leader for the state and country.

Chong also highlighted numerous statements by GPS leaders about how they would remain loyal to Barisan regardless of the GE14 results.

He cited a news report on May 14, which quoted PRS president Tan Sri James Masing as saying that the party would sink or swim with Barisan.

“Yet they all quit Barisan. In the future, what if Umno becomes stronger? Will they go along with Umno?” Chong asked.

Robert Anthony, a businessman from Sibu, said it was the same old faces in the new GPS coalition.

“They may have changed their skin with good intention but the spots are still there! So, with this new coalition, does it make any difference or change anything?” he asked.

He added that the state government should come out and tell the people what it intends to do, other than harping about the return of Sarawak’s rights which they were not vocal about when Barisan was in power.