Why did GPS unity crack just days after its launch?

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GPS Unity Fractured Days After Launch Due to Internal Leadership Disagreement

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition experienced an immediate internal strain, with PRS president Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing publicly calling for a re-evaluation of Sarawak's leadership just three days after the coalition's official launch on January 25. This call directly challenged the established leadership under GPS chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the president of the dominant component party, PBB. Masing's statement suggested that the selection of Sarawak's leader should transcend racial and religious considerations, a departure from the historical context where the chief minister position has been held by Malay-Muslims for 45 years.
Masing's Call for a New Leadership Criteria

Following the formal inauguration of GPS, which brought together Parti Pesaka Bumiputra (PBB), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, president of PRS, expressed a distinct viewpoint on leadership selection. He urged the constituent parties to convene and determine "the best leader to lead Sarawak," explicitly stating that such a decision should not be based on race and religion. Masing articulated that an exclusive focus on race and religion for leadership criteria is detrimental to Sarawak's multi-racial fabric, indicating a shift in his perspective as he has aged.
Historical Dominance of PBB and Malay-Muslim Chief Ministers

The political landscape of Sarawak has been significantly shaped by the dominance of PBB within ruling coalitions. PBB currently holds over 40 of the 72 seats in the state assembly, a position that has consistently translated into control of the chief minister's office. For the past 45 years, since 1974, the chief minister role has been exclusively held by Malay-Muslim individuals. This long-standing tradition underscores the significance of Masing's call to consider leadership beyond these established parameters, potentially signaling a subtle challenge to PBB's hegemonic influence within GPS.
Masing's Political Background and Ambitions

Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing is a seasoned politician with a history of outspokenness and evident ambition. His political career began in 1983, and he has held various significant positions, including deputy chief minister since 2016 and a state cabinet appointment in 1994. His past actions, such as challenging for party leadership which led to party splits, suggest a willingness to assert his influence. The timing of his recent statement, coupled with PRS's performance in the last general election where they secured only three Members of Parliament compared to PBB's 13, has led some observers to interpret his remarks as a strategic move to either gain more serious consideration within GPS or explore alternative political alignments.

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Why did GPS unity crack just days after its launch?

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