PBK president: Natural for PSB to consider returning to GPS via PDP merger for policial survival

Voon Lee Shan

KUCHING, Dec 26: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) believes that it is only natural for Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) to want to return to Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) fold for policial survival as “it is tough to stay outside the ruling government”.

PBK president Voon Lee Shan pointed out that PSB has never started as an Opposition or an outsider to the government since its establishment.

“They were used to power and (with the) privileges they (PSB) enjoyed, it is natural that they wish to be back with the government.

“Perhaps, they also know it is tough to stay outside the government as it is a different environment,” he said in a statement today in responding to news on the disbandment of PSB before Chinese New Year next year to join PDP en-bloc.

While acknowledging the perceived necessity of the PSB-PDP merger for political survival of PSB’s leaders, Voon however expressed doubt about its benefits for the people of Sarawak.

He highlighted concerns that the merger would limit options for Sarawakians to challenge or unseat the GPS government.

“Now it is only up to PBK to spearhead the challenge to unseat the GPS government. The purpose of the merger is also to weaken the Opposition,” he said.

Unpertubed by the latest political development in Sarawak, Voon conveyed that PBK does not lament parting ways with PSB after their loose collaboration during the last General Election.

Initially hopeful for a lasting collaboration in that the two parties could be a starting point to shape the political landscape in Sarawak, he said the collaboration did not unfold towards their intended direction.

“We wish them (PSB) good luck,” he concluded. — DayakDaily