Sarawak CM denies meeting Zahid before pulling out of BN

KUCHING: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (pix) denied that he ever had any meeting with former Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to discuss the formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Information chief Datuk Idris Bujang said the chief minister, who is also PBB president, denied such a meeting between him and Zahid ever took place.
"There was no such meeting and discussion taking place. Our party president had clearly announced that the decision to leave Barisan Nasional (BN) and formed GPS was a mutual deliberate act done purely upon one reason, that is to effectively fight for Sarawak's rights," said Idris in a statement.
The statement by Idris was in response to a video footage which purportedly depicts Zahid giving a speech to an unidentified audience about his meeting and discussion with Abang Johari on why four local parties, namely PBB, Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) left BN to form GPS.
Idris said GPS would move on as a united front and, therefore, would be free from any outside interference, whether from former allies or foes, in any of its affairs and decisions.
He said GPS government has "completely divorced" with BN and would focus and not compromise in its effort to take back Sarawak's infringed rights, adding that "it will do it without fear".
"As far as we in GPS are concerned, most of the issues that affected the performance of the BN in the 14th general election had nothing to do with us in Sarawak," he added.
Idris said that GPS government under the leadership of Abang Johari had exemplary track records as a responsible state government and would continue to be dedicated in serving the people.
"Our paramount and most important priority now is to make sure Sarawakians of all background will continue to be served and their basic needs particularly those in the rural areas are addressed in the best way," he added. — Bernama