PBDS open to anyone who shares Dayak struggle, including ex-Bersatu members, says party

KUCHING (Feb 21): Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) has reiterated that it is open to discussions with individuals and elected representatives who share its struggle for Dayak rights and greater political representation in Sarawak.

Responding to queries from The Borneo Post on whether the party would welcome frustrated members of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), including former Bintulu chief Duke Janteng, PBDS stressed that it remains a democratic party guided by principles of justice, unity and the defence of Dayak interests.

“Our doors are open to any individual who sincerely believes in our cause and is prepared to uphold the party constitution, discipline and collective leadership,” it said in a statement delivered by Information Chief Sigie Badang.

However, the party emphasised that membership is subject to proper procedures and vetting in accordance with party rules, adding that PBDS is “not merely a platform for political convenience, but a long-term struggle to defend the rights, land, culture and political dignity of the Dayak people.”

On whether Saratok MP Datuk Ali Biju – a Bersatu member – would be invited to join, PBDS said it respects all elected representatives and political leaders.

It noted that should any MP or political figure share the same vision of strengthening Dayak political representation and autonomy in Sarawak, the party is open to discussions.

“At this moment, there has been no formal decision or announcement regarding specific invitations. Any engagement would be guided by mutual respect and shared principles,” it added.

PBDS further underscored that political migration should not be driven by personal dissatisfaction alone, but by a genuine commitment to reform, fair power-sharing, protection of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land and greater Dayak participation in state decision-making.

“Our struggle is not personality-based. It is principle-based. Anyone who joins PBDS must be ready to serve the people, not positions,” the party said.

Meanwhile, Bersatu Bintulu became the first division in Sarawak to collectively resign and exit the party following a special meeting attended by 110 members last Tuesday.

Those present included division committee members, sub-branch chiefs, as well as heads of the Women’s Wing and Armada, who unanimously agreed to step down.

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

Explaining the move, Duke said the division no longer had confidence in the party’s national leadership under chairman Muhyiddin Yassin, claiming it had strayed from its original struggle, particularly in championing the interests of Sarawak’s indigenous communities.

The former division leadership plans to take a short break of one to two months before deciding on their next course of action, including the possibility of joining a local-based party aligned with their objectives or cooperating with a Peninsular Malaysia party whose core struggle supports rural and indigenous rights in Sarawak.

Bintulu holds historical significance for Bersatu, as it was where the party first expanded into the state, launched on Dec 1 2018 by then chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.