S’gor offers Sarawak Pakatan help
By Joseph Tawie, FMT
KUCHING: Selangor has pledged to channel its resources, including manpower, to help Sarawak in the coming general election as it is one of the important states that can ensure the Pakatan Rakyat ‘march’ to Putrajaya is successful.
Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim, who was here on a visit together with de facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim, said people were begining to accept Pakatan.
“As the people are now beginning to understand our policies and our struggle, the Pakatan Rakyat will mount a very serious challenge against the Barisan Nasional government.
“It is possible for us to go to Putrajaya with strong support coming from Johor, Sarawak, Sabah and other states.
“Sarawak is important to us. This is why we have to send our manpower and resources to Sarawak,” he told a press conference yesterday.
Khalid and Anwar were in Kuching for a meeting with state PKR leaders.
Khalid called on Sarawak PKR leaders, members and supporters to work hard and to go to the ground and mix with the people.
“You must explain our policies, our struggle and our pledge to the people.
“The more they understand our struggle, the brighter the chance for us to win over their hearts and minds,” he said.
Not easy
He admitted, however, that it is not easy to organise things in the state especially if it has to do with Anwar.
“Many people are scared of political backlash or that they are being threatened if they show open support for us.
“Let me remind Sarawak leaders that if they continue to do this, we from Selangor can also do the same that is, banning them from entering the state or refusing them from using our facilities.
“But Selangor will not do it. They can use our halls and other facilities because these facilities are built using people’s money.
“However, they must follow rules and regulations.
“Tell Sarawak leaders not to be arrogant and give the people the opportunity to choose between BN and Pakatan.
“I feel sad that Sarawak is so rich with natural resources, but the people have no chance to enjoy those benefits.
“That is why I dare to say that we will work together with the people to plan a better future for the people of the state,” he said.
Later in the afternoon Khalid left for Miri to meet with party leaders and members, while Anwar met with members of the state leadership council.
Later Anwar left for a Bidayuh village in the Mambong constituency, which is one of the 15 seats that PKR has expressed its interest to contest.
