GPS sticks with BN-PN-GRS combo for federal govt

Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) today maintained its stance on forming the federal government with Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

In a statement issued by the Sarawak premier's office, it said this combination would represent Malaysians from all ethnic and religious groups.

"Given the political instability in the peninsula, GPS is of the opinion that the mandate of the people should be respected," it said. 

"GPS therefore leaves it to the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in line with the authority provided for in the constitution, to appoint a prime minister who will lead a strong government in adminstering the country."

It added that the interests of the country should be prioritised, and the formation of a stable government over any personal interests.

The general election on Saturday saw Pakatan Harapan together with Muda winning 82 seats, followed by PN (73), BN (30), GPS (23), GRS (six) and Warisan (three). 

Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat and Parti Bangsa Malaysia won one seat each while the independent bloc won two. 

GPS had said after the election that its MPs as well as those from GRS would back Muhyiddin Yassin and his PN coalition. 

However, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi later denied that MPs from his bloc had agreed to join forces with GPS and GRS to work with PN, issuing a stern reminder that only he has the mandate to decide who BN MPs support.

He and several other BN leaders held talks with PH leaders at the Seri Pacific Hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, with no conclusive results. 

PN meanwhile has repeatedly said that it has the support of more than 112 MPs to form the next government. 

A deadline given by the palace for the submission of statutory declarations by MPs was extended to 2pm today.