GPS to abide by the King’s decision

KUCHING: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will agree to the formation of a unity government if this is the decision of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

GPS’ Petra Jaya MP Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the King advised the coalition’s representatives to consider forming a unity government during their audience at Istana Negara yesterday morning.

“Tuanku advised us 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 could be formed.

“His Majesty 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 said the King did not ask the GPS MPs to name a prime minister candidate during the audience but wanted to know if their previously stated stand remained the same.

Fadillah 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.

He added that GPS’ preference, as indicated in its statement on Nov 22, was to support the formation of a government with several parties.

All smiles: (From left) Nanta, Fadillah, Riot and Aaron arriving at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly complex in Kuching after meeting the King. — ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star

In that statement, the state coalition reiterated its proposal of a pact comprising GPS, Perikatan Nasional, Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) to form the next government reflecting a multiracial Malaysia, but did not name its choice of prime minister.

The statement also said GPS would leave it to the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to appoint the prime minister.

Asked if GPS’ decision would also depend on the outcome of the negotiations between various coalitions in Peninsular Malaysia, Fadillah answered “yes”.

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

“If the King decides on the formation of a unity government, we will abide by it,” he added.

As to whether 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 said.