He said Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Parti Demokratik Progresif (PDP) had decided to form a pact of Sarawak-based parties known as Gabungan Parti Sarawak.

Abang Johari, who is PBB president, said the decision was made after “much deliberation, reflection and due consideration”, taking into account the country’s political developments after the recent polls.

BN had retained Sarawak in the May 9 general election.

Abang Johari said the new coalition would cooperate and collaborate with the federal government on national interests and state rights under the Federal Constitution.

“We believe that it is timely and appropriate for Sarawak to embark on a new political platform going forward, to face changes in line with the changing demands, aspirations, and needs of Sarawakians,” he said at a press conference.

He said the new coalition would also allow them to focus on Sarawak’s interests and rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

“We strongly believe that the formation of this new coalition will enable and empower us to serve the people better, in line with the aspirations and fulfilling the desires of the people of Sarawak.”

Last week, it was reported that PBB was “seriously considering” quitting BN, but would consult with other component parties in the state.

PBB is the lynchpin of Sarawak BN, which won by a landslide in the 2016 state election.

In the recent polls, Sarawak BN won 19 out of 31 parliamentary seats. There was no state-level election for Sarawak in the May 9 polls.

On May 16, PBB dismissed rumours of it joining the Pakatan Harapan coalition, but said it would be part of a “united coalition of Sarawak-based parties” to champion greater devolution of powers.

This followed Sarawak governor Abdul Taib Mahmud’s meeting with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his close aide, Daim Zainuddin.