PDP-GPS meeting proposed

KUCHING: The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) should convene a meeting with all Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) stakeholders to engage in how an amicable solution could be reached, said political analyst Dr Lee Kuok Tiung.

He said in order for Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) to join PDP, the former must obtain confirmation from the Registrar of Societies (RoS) to ensure that the proposed idea did not conflict with the Anti-Hopping Law provisions.

“It is not easy to be in opposition (for PSB), particularly to a leader with a longstanding government presence, which poses significant challenges.

“Such a move will also reduce the Sarawak opposition, left with only two assemblymen from Pakatan Harapan (PH) or specifically Democratic Action Party (DAP).

“The story of PSB, stemming from its origins as a splinter party from Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), is long enough and it is time to end it,” he told New Sarawak Tribune today (Dec 26).

Lee added that PDP must also exercise caution, particularly in its dealings with PSB, which is a rebranding of the United People’s Party (UPP), which has a history of negotiating with Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties.

“At one point after securing a “BN friendly” or “BN direct candidate” ticket, he (Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh) suddenly wanted PSB to remain a BN Plus party. The party then applied to be a full-fledged member of the ruling coalition (BN).

“Interestingly, at that   time, although the president submitted his resignation letter , it was rejected by his party, suggesting  an underlying story.

“In the current landscape of Sarawak politics, a collaboration for the sake of the people is no straightforward task,” said Lee.

“The controversy primarily revolves around seat distribution in the upcoming election. Behind all this are  the intricacies of Chinese Foochow politics and also the apparent ambition to secure the Deputy Premier of Sarawak position,” he added.

On Dec 23, PSB deputy president Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa said the party was expected to be dissolved before Chinese New Year, with its members joining PDP en bloc.

Rayong said he was informed by party president Wong that the party had received the green light to join PDP.

However, Rayong said PSB would first need to be dissolved before its 80,000 members across Sarawak could collectively join PDP.

PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing later called on PDP members to prepare themselves for the influx of new members from PSB.

In August, Tiong said he expected a merger between PDP and PSB to be finalised in December.

The Bintulu MP said the two parties were working on resolving several issues regarding the merger, which he said would enable both parties to serve the people of Sarawak better.

On July 13, PSB, which only managed to secure three seats in the Sarawak elections in 2021, announced its support for the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The party also signed a memorandum of understanding with PDP, one of GPS’ component parties.