KUCHING: After being accused of cooperating with PAS, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has clapped back at Pakatan Harapan, accusing DAP of playing up racial politics ahead of polling day on Dec 18.

       GPS chief whip Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said it was not surprising that in every election, DAP and Pakatan would play up racial issues.

       “Their propaganda this time is that GPS is undermining the multi-cultural, multi-religious harmony of Sarawak by being in the Federal Government with Barisan Nasional and PAS.

       “Their propaganda completely ignores the stellar track record that GPS has in maintaining racial-religious harmony in Sarawak since decades ago.

       “Sarawak is widely acknowledged to be the most harmonious and tolerant territory in Malaysia,” he said in a statement Friday (Dec 10).

       Fadillah then launched another salvo at Pakatan and DAP, pointing out that the Opposition had cooperated with PAS before, during the now-defunct Pakatan Rakyat pact that previously consisted of DAP, PKR and PAS.

       “How can GPS be accused of collaborating with PAS to undermine Sarawak’s multi-ethnic harmony when PAS is contesting against GPS in this election?” he questioned.

       Fadillah explained the reason why GPS cooperated with Putrajaya was to provide political stability and to safeguard Sarawak's rights and development in the state.

       “These are areas which Pakatan and DAP had failed to do when they were the Federal Government for 22 months,” added the Petra Jaya MP.

       The Works Minister said Sarawakians will never forget how the construction of the Pan-Borneo Highway had repeatedly stalled since Pakatan took over Putrajaya in 2018.

       “This includes the cancellation of phase two of the highway, the cancellation of three bridges, the denial of RM1bil in funds to repair schools in Sarawak and the broken promises of 20% oil royalty returned to Sarawak, which forced the state government to impose a sales tax on Petronas.

       “We have not forgotten and we will never forget. Neither will Sarawakians,” said Fadillah.

       Fadillah also said he was confident that Sarawakians were tired of Pakatan and DAP’s tactics of stoking racial flames and this will be reflected in the ballot box on polling day.

       “GPS trusts that the people will not be influenced by the tactic of casting doubts and aspersions on the government’s stance, but will continue to stand firm to protect racial and religious unity in Sarawak,” added Fadillah.

       Early voting for the Sarawak state election will be held on Dec 14, and polling on Dec 18.