KUALA LUMPUR: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has decided to lend its support to Perikatan Nasional (PN) to form the next federal government with Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Sarawak Premier and GPS chairman Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the Sarawak-based ruling coalition came to the decision to strengthen and stabilise the country for the wellbeing of the people.
"We are all aware there is no single party commanding a simple majority to form the federal government after the 15th General Election (GE15).
"The world, including our country, is navigating through challenges brought about by the economic crisis which is expected to worsen even further next year.
"To ensure the wellbeing of the people and that our economy remains resilient, a stable and strong government must be formed immediately," he said in a statement.
Should the four coalitions decide to work together, they will have a combined 131 parliamentary seats, more than the required 112 seats required for a simple majority to form the next federal government.
Abang Johari said GPS made the decision to uphold the Federal Constitution, Sarawak Constitution and the sovereignty of the law as stipulated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
"The decision was also made on the foundation of upholding freedom of religion and practise of traditional customs and culture in Sarawak as espoused in the Federal Constitution, MA63 and the IGC Report," the statement read.
Abang Johari added that GPS' decision to throw its support behind PN to form the next government with BN and GRS was also based on autonomy in terms of educational development and health that will be accorded to the Sarawak-based coalition.
"Our main focus and responsibilities now is to ensure the stability of the country and wellbeing of the people," he said.