GPS will abide by King's decision on new govt, says Fadillah

Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof speaks to media after meeting with Sarawak Primier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex on Wednesday afternoon. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star

KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will abide by whatever decision the Yang di-Pertuan Agong makes with regard to the formation of the new government, says Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

The GPS parliamentary chief whip said the King advised the coalition's representatives to consider forming a unity government during their audience at Istana Negara on Wednesday morning (Nov 23).

"Tuanku advised that in the current situation with no one having the majority support to be prime minister, his intention was that we should discuss and consider whether a unity government can be formed.

"He gave us his advice and views on why a unity government should be formed," Fadillah told reporters after briefing Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on the audience at the state legislative assembly complex here.

He was one of four GPS representatives who met the King, along with Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Serian MP Datuk Seri Richard Riot and Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

Fadillah said GPS' preference as indicated in its statement on Tuesday (Nov 22) is to support the formation of a government with several parties.

He answered in the affirmative when asked if GPS' decision would also depend on the outcome of the negotiations between various coalitions in Peninsular Malaysia.

"The most important is that we will abide by whatever decision is made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

"If the King decides on the formation of a unity government, we will abide by it," he said.

Asked if GPS would consider working with Pakatan Harapan, Fadillah said the state coalition had already stated its preference.

"Let us wait for the King's decision," he reiterated.

In its Nov 22 statement, GPS said it would leave it to the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint the prime minister.

The statement reiterated GPS' proposal of a pact comprising GPS, Perikatan, Barisan and GRS to form the next government reflecting a multiracial Malaysia, but did not name its choice of prime minister.