COMMENT | Harapan should start courting GPS

COMMENT | It is true that Sarawakians in general are wary of Umno and that is more distinct now than ever as we enter the 15th general election (GE15) where polling has been scheduled for Nov 19.

The lack of trust in Umno and Malayan political parties among Sarawakians has been there for a long time. Happily, Umno has never set foot in Sarawak but its leaders have always maintained a close, healthy relationship with PBB and Sarawak BN component parties.

This marriage of convenience had existed for the mutual benefit of the ruling parties from both sides for decades. It came to an abrupt end after the BN was defeated in GE14 in 2018.

It is also fair to say that Chinese Malaysians in general are most fearful of Umno because of the immense power the party wielded, its tainted leaders and protracted ‘ketuanan Melayu’ policies.

Hence, Chinese-based parties like MCA and SUPP which are perceived to be aligned with Umno, whether in or outside BN, would incur the wrath of the Chinese voters. MCA, SUPP, LDP, SAPP and Gerakan had a disastrous GE14 in 2018 because of their association with Umno/BN.

Last Monday, SUPP president Dr Sim Kui Hian came out to defend his party and GPS on a DAP-perpetuated allegation that voting for GPS is the same as voting for Umno. He rubbished the notion and described such talks as a tactic by the opposition, particularly the DAP, to confuse voters.

“Now DAP are saying that voting GPS will be like voting for Umno. I do not know who votes for Umno (in Sarawak). There is no Umno in Sarawak.

“Yet DAP themselves, particularly the MPs, received...