Teras aims for BN component status amidst political rebranding

BINTULU (Sept 17): Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) is making strides to re-establish itself in the Sarawak political landscape, with aspirations to become a component of Barisan Nasional (BN).

Teras chairman Affendi Jeman expressed confidence in Sarawakians’ support for BN, citing the coalition’s long-standing presence in Sarawak for the past 50 years.

Reflecting on the previous election, before the formation of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), he noted that BN’s decisive victory under its own flag demonstrated the strong support of Sarawakians.

“It was not the people of Sarawak who exited BN, the decision was made by the leaders. The people of Sarawak voted for BN,” he said during a press conference at the ‘Malam Wawasan Teras’ dinner yesterday.

Affendi emphasised the importance of leaders considering the people’s will, given their consistent support for BN over the past 50 years.

“Leaders must take this seriously. The decision to leave BN was not made by the people,” he added.

He clarified that Teras is not against GPS and supports the current federal and state governments.

“We support GPS. The formation of a unity government consists of GPS, GRS Sabah, BN, and Pakatan Harapan. Our principle is to support the government of the day where we can complement,” said Affendi.

He stated that Teras has applied to join BN and is awaiting approval.

“There is no more BN in Sarawak, but our intent is to be a component of BN in Sarawak,” he explained.

When asked if BN can make a smooth comeback into Sarawak political landscape, Affendi stressed the importance of respecting the wishes of the people.

“If there is a desire from the grassroots, the ordinary citizens who cast their votes, leaders must take this seriously. They cannot take it lightly,” he said.

Regarding the party’s ambitions for the next state election, Affendi remained tight-lipped.

“We are keeping silent on that matter for now. The primary focus at this moment is to reintroduce Teras to the people of Sarawak,” he said.

He noted that the ongoing Teras roadshow and gatherings aim to garner support from Sarawakians for its intention to become a component of BN.

Affendi remarked that the reception in Sibu was overwhelmingly positive, with similar enthusiasm observed in Bintulu.

“There is a hundred per cent support for Teras’s intent to become a component of BN.”

Affendi expressed his gratitude to the president Banyi Beriak for accepting him into Teras and his commitment to making Teras the largest political party in Sarawak.

Meanwhile, Banyi said one of the goals of the party’s last Triennial General Assembly is to rebrand Teras.

“The name will stay the same, but we will revise parts of the constitution to ensure it aligns with the current circumstances,” he said.

As part of its rebranding efforts, he said Teras is embarking on a new recruitment drive, aiming to attract more people and gauge current support.

“Teras has been quiet for the past 11 years, particularly after 2016 when all our elected representatives were taken out from the party. At that time, we had over 50,000 members,” he said.

He said the rebranding initiative seeks to reconnect with former members and attract new supporters. The recruitment process involves filling out forms, which will help the party determine its current membership base.

“Only when the forms come back to us will we know exactly how many are with us. Judging by the size of the crowds at recent events, the party is optimistic about the level of support. We can see that there will be a lot,” he said.

In a significant boost to its recruitment efforts, Banyi mentioned that 250 members from Bintulu have joined Teras from Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), which he believes is a positive sign for the party’s future.

He believes that Teras’s rebranding and recruitment drive are crucial steps in revitalising the party and ensuring its relevance in the current political landscape of Sarawak.