Decision on PSB’s potential inclusion into PDP en-bloc must avoid secrecy, says Sarawak Minister

Abdul Karim addressing the media after overseeing the full rehearsal for the New Year Countdown celebration at the Kuching Waterfront on Dec 29.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Dec 30: Any decision regarding the potential inclusion of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) en-bloc should not be shrouded in secrecy.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah emphasised the importance of transparency in matters affecting the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.

He stressed that discussions on the collaboration between the two parties, particularly those that could impact GPS, must be openly communicated and deliberated among the top leadership of the component parties.

“This is considering that PDP is a component of the GPS coalition. So anything that we intend to do should not be done in private.

“Before this (PDP-PSB collaboration), PSB was our opposition. But now there is intention to bring in PSB. So it is crucial to seek views and inputs as this way our mutual understanding and unity within GPS will be further strengthened,” he told reporters after overseeing the full rehearsal for the New Year Countdown celebration at the Kuching Waterfront here last night (Dec 29).

Kuching Waterfront is set to be illuminated during the countdown to New Year 2024 celebration on Dec 31.

Admitting that he did not have full knowledge of the development having only learnt about it through the media, Abdul Karim however personally viewed that Sarawakians coming together through parties or other means was good for the State’s unity.

“So we welcome this and this is my personal view,” he said.

Abdul Karim, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president, expressed uncertainty about whether the PSB-PDP matter would be discussed at the party’s meeting expected to be held on Jan 14 and 15.

“I believe there will be many things to reflect on, notably GPS has made many achievements in the past one year.

“We are looking forward to the new year and to lay out our plans, missions and visions for the next one to two years,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, PSB has recently announced it is expected to be disbanded before Chinese New Year celebration next year and its members totalling about 80,000 has received the ‘greenlight’ to join PDP en-bloc.

However, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg asserted that he was unaware of the claim, while PDP president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has remained tight-lipped on the purported ‘approval’ for PSB members to join the party en-bloc, stating he needed time to understand more about the ‘marriage’ issue. — DayakDaily