Merger: PSB, PDP compatible, have similar aspirations, policies, says Soon Koh

KUCHING (Nov 20): Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) are compatible for a possible merger since both have almost similar political aspirations and policies, said PSB president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.

“In terms of policies and in terms of what we hope to do and what to achieve for the people of Sarawak, we PSB are 80 per cent or more similar to PDP, a component of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak). We, therefore, will not allow the small differences to divide us,” the Bawang Assan assemblyman said in a press statement today.

“We will not try to make political gains out of our differences. One only has to look at our PSB 2021 state election manifesto to find out that what is contained in that manifesto is very much similar to what GPS government is doing and is trying to do to help the people of Sarawak,” he pointed out.

“Towards this end, on Aug 19, 2023, we PSB decided to sign a ‘Unity MoU’ (memorandum of understanding) in Kuala Lumpur with PDP to enable us to work together towards merger of the two parties to come under the big umbrella of GPS,” Wong stressed.

Wong said PSB recognised that at this crucial stage of the state development, political unity, solidarity and stability stood as the most important elements that could not be faulted and should be the targets to aim for.

People occupying positions of leadership and influence should lead their followers and their people to these ideals, he said.

“We in PSB are also fully aware that in politics, one way we can identify with one another is to accentuate the positive, that is to look for similarities between ourselves and others, rather than differences. If we are 80 per cent or more similar and 20 per cent or less different, why should we allow the small differences rule our relationship with others,” he added.

“Also the present political landscape and environment have convinced us that we PSB need to reassess our political roles in more realistic perspectives and a more responsible political attitude is required. Our country is now being threatened by increasing forces of religious and racial extremism.

“The choice in front of us is obvious: people of all races and religions must rally behind the unity government at federal level under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to enable him to carry out the objectives of ‘Malaysia Madani’ and at state level, ‘People’s First’ GPS government under our visionary Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to enable him to realise his Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) to bring about a high-income society and a developed state for Sarawak by 2030.

“We should therefore set aside our differences beyond party politics and all ought to stand united for our beloved Sarawak,” Wong emphasised.

“We must all come together to play our respective roles in shaping the history of Sarawak, ‘Negara ku yang dicintai’ (Our beloved ‘country’),” he added.

Wong, however, did not state how and when exactly the merger of his party and PDP, led by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, would materialise.

At the State Legislative Assembly sitting today, there were indications that Wong was no more being treated as the State Opposition leader.