Bersatu Bintulu members resign en bloc, first Sarawak division to exit party

BINTULU (Feb 19): Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Bintulu has become the first division in Sarawak to collectively resign and exit the party.

During a special meeting on Tuesday, which was attended by 110 members including division committee members, sub-branch chiefs, and heads of the Women’s Wing and Armada, the leadership unanimously resolved to step down and leave the party.

Division chief Duke Janteng announced that all division committee members, sub-branch chiefs, and wing leaders, representing more than 2,000 registered members in Bintulu, had tendered their resignations.

He also confirmed stepping down as Bintulu division chief and as Bersatu Sarawak deputy chief.

“We no longer have confidence in the leadership of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chaired by YB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, as it has strayed from the party’s original struggle, particularly in championing the interests of the indigenous people of Sarawak,” he said.

On whether similar actions would be taken by other divisions in the state, Duke said the matter would be left to the respective division chiefs.

“For us in the Bintulu division, all have resigned and exited the party,” he said when contacted.

He noted that Bersatu Sarawak has nine divisions, with Bintulu being the largest in terms of membership in the state.

“For now, our plan is to take a short break within the next one or two months. After that, we will focus on a local party that truly fights for the rights of our indigenous people in Sarawak,” he said.

He added there is also the possibility of cooperating with a party from Peninsular Malaysia, provided that its core struggle aligns with local objectives, particularly in championing the welfare of rural communities in Sarawak.

Bintulu holds historical significance for Bersatu, as it was where the party first expanded into Sarawak.

Then chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched Bersatu Sarawak here on Dec 1, 2018.