SIBU: The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government wants a stable government with focus on fighting Covid-19 and less politicking, says Senator Robert Lau.

       The SUPP Bawang Assan chairman said GPS has chosen to support Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for the last 18 months and stayed loyal because of the need to have a stable government.

       "At the same time, he (Muhyiddin) listens and cares for the interest of Sarawak.

       "I am of the view that GPS and Perikatan Nasional have served the interest of Sarawak during the past 18 months.

       "The most significant is that the Federal government and Petronas have agreed to the state's sales tax and pay the 5% petroleum royalties to the Sarawak government since 2019," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 16).

       Lau said this was in contrast to Pakatan Harapan government which saw Petronas taking action to sue Sarawak to annul the state’s Oil Mining Ordinance 1998 and the refusal to acknowledge the state's sales tax.

       "At the same time, Pakatan reneged on its election promise to give Sarawak 20% oil royalty," he added.

       Lau also said the interest of Sarawak and the respect for Malaysia Agreement 1963 should be paramount when it comes to giving support to the next Prime Minister by GPS, in addition to the need to have a stable government.

       "It is also an opportune time to seek the return of autonomy for healthcare and education.

       "The delegation of power to Sarawak to look after these two sectors will make the state administration smoother and more efficient. Too much power has been concentrated in Putrajaya," he said.