SGE13: Minos says opposition lacks plans to govern Sarawak

KUCHING: Opposition parties lack clear development plans and the ability to safeguard Sarawak’s rights and interests if they form the next state government, claimed political pundit, Datuk Peter Minos.

He questioned whether peninsula-based parties such as the Democratic Action Party (DAP), Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), alongside local opposition parties, could sustain the progress achieved under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Minos said the opposition had focused more on criticising GPS than presenting constructive proposals for Sarawak’s development.

“By the way the Malayan-based parties have acted and behaved over the years, it is very difficult for us to believe that they can ever run Sarawak.

“As for the local opposition like PBDS and PBK, they cannot even look after themselves, what more of Sarawak.

“Can they assure us that they can carry on what GPS has done and achieved, and do more?” he said in a statement today.

Minos acknowledged the importance of opposition parties in a democracy but said they should offer credible alternatives through policy proposals, alternative budgets and shadow cabinets, as practised in the United Kingdom.

He also warned that an opposition victory in the 13th Sarawak General Election (SGE13) could create administrative uncertainty, claiming the parties lacked adequate preparation to govern.

“I think if victorious after the election and then to form the government, they will be panicky and in full confusion over what to do. There will be chaos.

“No planning and no ideas on development and how to look after Sarawak will create big problems for themselves and for all Sarawakians, much less protecting Sarawak’s rights and interests,” he said.

Minos urged Sarawakians to prioritise political stability, racial harmony and development continuity when voting on Dec 12.

“I honestly believe only GPS can run Sarawak and not, with respect, the opposition. This we Sarawakians must know and not be conned by opposition propaganda,” he added.