Federal alliance with PAS no threat to GPS in Sarawak, say analysts
PETALING JAYA: A political analyst has played down fears that cooperation between GPS and PAS at the federal level will see the Islamist party make inroads into Sarawak at the expense of the state’s ruling coalition.
“PAS is too focused on states like Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, and I doubt it even rates its chances of winning support in Sarawak which is multiracial and where non-Muslims form the majority,” said Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi.
He said that in Sarawak, Muslim Bumiputeras still backed PBB, the lynchpin of GPS.
“This means PAS will not be able to bring their agenda to Sarawak,” Awang Azman said, adding also that PAS was unlikely to contest there as both parties are components of the ruling federal coalition.
On the other hand, he said, GPS was now in a better position to ensure that Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) were respected compared to when Pakatan Harapan was in power.
Former lecturer Jeniri Amir shared similar sentiments, saying PAS was not in a position to push its conservative agenda in Sarawak.
“Being part of the federal government, GPS can speak up against matters which are not acceptable to Sarawakians,” the former Universiti Malaysia Sarawak academic said.
Jeniri said there was no reason for anyone to worry about PAS’ rhetoric. “In fact, as PPBM, BN and PAS are unlikely to contest in Sarawak, there is less concern over the influence of Malayan parties,” he said.
He said GPS now had a greater share of power in Putrajaya and could ensure that issues surrounding MA63 and the sales tax on petroleum products were resolved, which would in turn strengthen its position in the state.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Lee Kuok Tiung said he believed those linking PAS to GPS were trying to paint the Islamist party as a bogeyman.
“GPS does not have any direct or formal ties with PAS. The only parties which signed an agreement with PAS where Sarawak is concerned were PKR and DAP when they inked the Kuching Declaration in 2012,” he said.
That declaration, which was signed by the national and state leaders of the three parties from the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat, was a pledge to honour the spirit of MA63.
Lee claimed that PH had “bullied” Sarawak when it was in power by removing or withholding funding for infrastructure projects, including those involving repairs to dilapidated schools.
“Had they treated Sarawak better during their 22 months in power, I am certain GPS would not have rejected overtures from PH to form the federal government,” he said. - FMT
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