“In the past, DAP opposition leaders described Mahathir as a dictator and self-serving, but today the situation has changed and they are now good friends.

“It gives the impression of DAP as being without any principles in fighting for the people,” he said when officiating the “Harmony Nite: United We Stand” programme at Sibu Gateway last night.

He said Sarawak would have become more developed had Mahathir been diligent in visiting the state during his 22-year reign as prime minister.

He added that the people of Sarawak were very diligent and talented in many fields, with many achieving success in the oil and gas industry both domestically and internationally.

“That’s why I set up Petros, because we have the right to participate in the oil and gas industry and we do it according to the federal constitution rather than playing up sentiments or emotions, and we demanded what is enshrined in the constitution,” he said.

Abang Johari added that he would continue to focus on claiming Sarawak’s rights which had been eroded or taken by the federal government.

He said he needed a strong mandate this election to enable him to protect Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.