KUALA LUMPUR (June 12): Component parties of the Barisan Nasional coalition in Malaysia’s Sarawak state have decided to form a new coalition, according to statement from the state’s Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg’s office.

* New coalition of Sarawak-based parties will be known as Gabungan Parti Sarawak that will focus on the state’s interests and rights based on the Malaysia Agreement 1963

* GPS to cooperate and collaborate with federal govt on national interest and state rights

* GPS isn’t a part of Pakatan Harapan coalition but has pledged support for the federal govt, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad tells reporters separately in Tokyo

* NOTE: Barisan Nasional in Sarawak won 19 of the 222 seats in parliament