GPS to fully support Dr M in event of 'new' Federal Govt, claims source

MIRI: Sarawak's ruling coalition says it will throw its full support for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) to continue as Prime Minister, a source told The Star.

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which has 18 lawmakers in the Dewan Rakyat, is also prepared to side with a new Federal Government coalition led by Dr Mahathir if such a coalition is formed at the national level, the source said.

GPS component parties are Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United Peoples Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg is also PBB president.

"All the GPS component parties have agreed that GPS will fully support Dr M.

"With the political situation at the federal level in Putrajaya brewing to boiling point, GPS with 18 MP seats must make a stance.

"The choice to support Dr M is also for GPS' survival in Sarawak.

"GPS leaders feel that with the state elections looming, GPS interest in Sarawak will be better protected with Dr M as premier," said the source.

GPS leaders recently held a closed-door meeting in Kuching and discussed the latest political happenings at the national front.

The source said that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had spoken about Pakatan Harapan's intention to topple GPS and capture Sarawak in the coming state polls - a source of constant anxiety for GPS.