SIBU: A political scientist suggests that the collaboration between the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) may indicate that something bigger is happening within the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). According to Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan from Universiti Putra Malaysia, although GPS already holds a two-thirds majority in the legislative assembly, the support from PSB doesn’t significantly add to their political strength. However, he believes that any actions in Sarawak are usually contingent on the approval of Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the state’s Premier. Dr Jawan speculates that this collaboration could be a sign of larger developments, as no leaders in Sarawak would dare to oppose Premier Abang Jo’s ideas or decisions. He also suggests that PSB’s alliance with PDP might be an attempt to safeguard its elected representatives.
Dr Jawan adds that PSB’s move could be a response to potential challenges in the upcoming state election. PSB failed to achieve the desired outcome in the previous election, riding on anti-government sentiment and national political volatility at the time. Looking forward, Dr Jawan predicts that Opposition parties could face significant setbacks in the next state election, as they lack substantial issues to use against GPS, a stable ruling coalition. He commends Abang Johari and his party, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), for successfully securing the Deputy Prime Minister post – an achievement that previous state leaders had failed to accomplish.
On July 13, the president of PDP, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, announced that his party had signed a memorandum of Understanding with PSB to collaborate. Tiong viewed this agreement as an important step towards ensuring political stability on both the state and national levels. As part of GPS, PDP holds a significant position in the state government, with 76 out of 82 seats. In 2021, PSB won four seats, but one of its assemblymen left the party the following year. Additionally, Pakatan Harapan secured two seats through DAP in 2021, but they are now working in partnership with GPS as part of the national unity government.
Dr Jawan cautions that the PDP-PSB collaboration may have negative implications for the country’s political landscape. He highlights the tendency of politicians in Sarawak and Malaysia to enter elections with strong principles, aiming to hold the ruling party accountable, provide checks and balances, and be the voice for marginalized communities. However, he observes that over time, they become attracted to the glamour and power that comes with holding positions in government. Consequently, they abandon their original stance and seek to align themselves with the ruling party, all in the name of serving the people. Dr Jawan believes this behavior undermines the integrity of politicians and their promises to their constituents.
Meanwhile, PBB vice president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah expresses optimism about the PDP-PSB collaboration. He hopes to see positive outcomes and suggests that any official statement or stance from the GPS supreme council and the Premier would be beneficial. Abdul Karim also points out that the people in PSB have previously held government positions, including ministerial roles, and therefore sees no issue with the collaboration.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
