Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg denied that he had any meeting with former deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to discuss the formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) information chief Idris Bujang said the chief minister, who is also PBB president, denied such a meeting between him and Zahid ever took place.

“There was no such meeting and discussion taking place. Our party president had clearly announced that the decision to leave BN and form GPS was a mutually deliberated act done purely for one reason, that is to effectively fight for Sarawak’s rights,” said Idris in a statement.

The statement by Idris was in response to a video footage which purportedly depicts Zahid giving a speech to an unidentified audience about his meeting and discussion with Abang Johari on why four local parties, namely PBB, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) left BN to form GPS.

Idris said GPS would move on as a united front and, therefore, would be free from any outside interference, whether from former allies or foes, in any of its affairs and decisions.

He said the GPS government has “completely divorced” with BN and would not compromise in its effort to reclaim Sarawak’s rights.

“As far as we in GPS are concerned, most of the issues that affected the performance of the BN in the 14th general election had nothing to do with us in Sarawak,” he added.

Idris said that GPS government under the leadership of Abang Johari had an exemplary track record as a responsible state government and would continue to be dedicated in serving the people.

“Our paramount priority now is to make sure Sarawakians of all background will continue to be served and their basic needs, particularly those in the rural areas, are addressed in the best way,” he added.

- Bernama