GPS launches manifesto for stability, progress and prosperity in Sarawak

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) launched its manifesto for the 15th general election (GE15) last night, themed "Ensuring Sarawak’s Stability, Progress and Prosperity".

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg, who is also GPS chairman, launched the document to serve as GPS' direction in GE15, based on five main pillars.

The first pillar was stable and resilient politics, socio-economy and finances, led by farsighted leaders who prioritise Sarawak’s future, while the second was the development of urban and rural infrastructure and facilities for people’s well-being.

The manifesto also placed economic transformation and diversified revenue generation to drive Sarawak's development as the third pillar, with human capital training and upholding social justice and religious beliefs as the fourth pillar.

Efficient government administration with high integrity as a catalyst of development in Sarawak was the fifth pillar of the manifesto, which also outlined 25 thrusts and 215 commitments towards achieving developed status by 2030.

In his speech, Abang Johari said the GPS manifesto for GE15 was comprehensive and inclusive, and focused on the interests of the people while prioritising the future of the country.

"When we promise, we (will keep) the promise. We in GPS describe this manifesto as our commitment to the people, even though some say it is not a bible or holy book. 

"The GPS manifesto is not an empty promise, unlike the manifesto made by Pakatan Harapan (PH) (in GE14)," he said.
 
He said despite facing uncertainties throughout the past five years, including almost two years of being sidelined by the PH government, GPS was still able to lead Sarawak, allowing the state to generate more than RM10 billion in revenue.

GPS consists of four local parties in Sarawak, namely Parti Pesaka Bersatu Bumiputera (PBB), the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

It will be contesting a parliamentary election for the first time since its establishment in 2018, after PBB, SUPP, PRS and PDP made a unanimous decision to quit Barisan Nasional (BN).

In a press conference after the launch, Abang Johari said GPS needed a stable federal government, even though the coalition had proven itself capable of moving independently, especially in the face of economic uncertainties in 2023 and 2024.

He said with the formation of such a government, effective policies could be created to deal with the economic recession expected to occur in the next two years.

"For the past four years, we (GPS) have succeeded in strengthening our financial position, and we are implementing the projects that have been planned.

"What we want now is to collaborate with the federal government. We need to focus on development for the people," he said.