GE15: 'Beautiful' GPS being courted by many suitors, says Abang Jo

KUCHING: With no clear frontrunner emerging for the 15th General Election (GE15) in various polls, Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg says several coalitions are courting Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) to get its support.

"Now everybody says they want to date GPS, like a beautiful woman," quipped the Sarawak Premier.

He said whoever wanted GPS' support must do right by Sarawak.

"Yes, we only have 31 seats out of 222 parliamentary seats and we cannot form the Federal Government.

"But whoever wants to work with Sarawak must know what to do for Sarawak.

"This is why we must win big and sweep all 31 seats if possible.

"When we are strong, we can keep fighting for Sarawak's rights," he said at the Sarawakku Sayang programme at Siniawan near here on Wednesday (Nov 16).

However, he stressed that he would not compromise on Sarawak's rights and interests, including fighting for unresolved issues under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and infrastructure development.

"We must tell Putrajaya that if you want us, you work with us. When we are strong, we can negotiate.

"This is why we want to win big across Sarawak, so that we can negotiate with a loud voice," he said.

Abang Johari also dismissed DAP's attempts to paint GPS as being allies with Barisan Nasional or Umno.

"Some people are saying 'GPS menang Zahid senang'. 'Paloi' (stupid). If GPS wins, it should be Abang Jo senang," he said.

"We are on our own. We have nothing to do with the parties in Peninsular Malaysia," he added.