Seek GPS consultation before making decisions, says PBB veep

KUCHING: Component parties of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) have been urged to keep the party chairman informed or seek the guidance of GPS leadership before coming to a decision. 

Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said this is important to maintain the unity within the party. 

“When we are in this coalition (GPS), whatever we do, we inform our chairman and comrades in the coalition. Let’s not do things individually,” he said after overseeing the full rehearsal for the New Year countdown event at Kuching Waterfront here last night (Dec 29). 

Abdul Karim was responding to reporters when being asked about the possibility of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) being dissolved and its members joining Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). 

He also expressed openness to the matter and described it as something that would unite Sarawakians. 

“In my opinion, when Sarawakians come together, be it through a party or in a different way, it shows unity. 

“Before this, PSB was our opponent. But now they want to join (GPS). So, this fosters greater understanding and unity within GPS,” he said. 

When asked whether matters concerning PSB and PDP be among the agenda discussed during the PBB Supreme Council Meeting next month, Abdul Karim said he was unsure about specific matters to be discussed during the meeting.

“There will be many issues to reflect on. I believe because in the last one year, we have achieved so many things. 

“And when we have a meeting right after the start of the new year, that means we are looking forward to the new year and probably outlining what we should be doing for the next one or two years,” he said. 

He added the meeting would be held either on January 14 or 15.

It was previously reported that 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.

He said he was informed by party president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh 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.