Ismail confident of new BN govt with cooperation of GPS

Barisan Nasional (BN) is confident of forming a stable government after the 15th general election (GE15) with the cooperation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), says Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said even though GPS, comprising Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP), was not with BN, the two coalitions had a long history together.

"We understand one another, we understand the aspirations of Sarawakians. We are more understanding of the relationship, despite our differences now, we are still similar," he said at a press conference in Selangau today.

Ismail said GPS MPs had shown they were prepared to be with BN MPs in the opposition after GE14 and joined the government formed by BN in 2020.

"When I was the opposition head, GPS was with us. They did not join Pakatan Harapan then. 

"This means we are always together. When we form the government, GPS also joined us. I am sure the relationship will continue," he said.

On his previous statement regarding his confidence that BN would win GE15, Ismail said even if the victory is based on a simple majority, the government would remain stable due to the enforcement of the anti-party hopping law.

"It is different now compared to before. In the past, the simple majority was very dangerous because there was still the possibility of party-hopping. 

"Now with the anti-party hopping law, after winning, no one can jump party. If someone hops (to another party), he has to vacate his seat and contest again," he said.

In the meantime, Ismail said that Budget 2023, which was tabled on Oct 7, is likely to be re-tabled with improvements if BN is given the mandate to lead the government after GE15.

He said that most of the BN manifesto for GE15 revolved around the budget.

"There is also a possibility that (Budget 2023) will be improved. We will see after GE. The important thing is that we have to win first," he said.