PDP-PSB merger decision after CNY: Jinep

SIBU: Leaders of Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and the Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) remained tight-lipped on the proposed merger decision, which would see PSB members being absorbed into PDP.

PDP deputy president Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the decision will be looked into after Chinese New Year.

“We will see what will happen after Chinese New Year. We will see how this festive season, the Year of the Dragon, works for us. So, we are looking forward to good things,” he said.

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He said this when met by reporters at PDP’s Chinese New Year celebration, attended by 2,000 PDP members at a renowned hotel here on Saturday night (Jan 27).

Jinep said both parties are currently working together as allies with less politicking which is good for the people and the country.

“I don’t see any harm in any party willing to work together. We live together in harmony, especially when it comes to the festive season. We forget about political affiliation,” he said.

Meanwhile, when asked about whether PDP grassroots would be willing to accept PDP members, he said engagements are made to explain the decision to them.

“In PDP, the highest decision-making body is the supreme council and whatever decisions have been made, we will explain to the grassroots. We are moving towards that,” he said.

At the PDP Pre-Christmas and New Year gathering last year, PSB’s deputy president, Johnical Rayong Ngipa, said that PSB was expected to be dissolved, with its members joining PDP en bloc.

The announcement came after PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh reportedly received a ‘green light’ for the merger from PDP.

At the same event, PDP’s president, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, called on PDP members to prepare for the influx of new PSB members.

However, GPS chairman and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg later said that he was unaware of any ‘green light’ given by GPS.

Abang Johari clarified that parties cannot merge and that party members can only join another party if their original party is dissolved.

Also present during the event were PDP vice-president Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, PDP Dudong chairman Datuk Teo Boon Siew, organising chairperson Agatha Ting and others.