BN not right platform to protect state rights, says Sarawak CM

PETALING JAYA: The previous partnership between Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Sarawak government is not a clear platform for the state leaders to protect the rights of Sarawak and Sarawakians.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said this was the main reason given by the Sarawak government to leave BN and form Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
"Under BN, we were subject to the decision of the top BN leaders in Kuala Lumpur. (There was) nothing much that we could do – whatever they said, we just had to follow," said at a Hari Raya gathering near Bintulu yesterday.
"Now it is time for us to have our own political power in Sarawak for the future of Sarawakians – the Sarawakians would take care of Sarawak and we would stand on our own feet," said the chief minister.
He added that no one, except local Sarawakians, should lead the state government and represent fellow Sarawakians.
"We have to stick firmly to the strong mandate given by the people to the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem in the last state election, which is to protect and preserve the rights of Sarawak as accorded under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 – many of which have been eroded," he said.