SARAWAK ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) has accepted the mass entry of those from former opposition outfit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), which is a component party of GPS.
PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced this late last night in Sibu town when hosting a Unity Night for PDP and the former PSB leaders and members.
“GPS has given its blessings for former PSB people to join us in PDP.
“This means that all in PSB who are joining us in PDP are now also part of GPS.
“This will make us much stronger,” said Tiong to the 2,000-plus at the Unity Night gathering at a hotel.
Tiong also announced that Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh (who is the former PSB president) is now appointed as PDP senior vice-president, while state assemblyman of Ba Kelalan Baru Bian (who is former PSB secretary-general) and state assemblyman for Engkili Dr Johnical Rayong (who is former PSB vice president) are both appointed PDP vice-presidents.
PSB had three seats in the 82-seat state assembly, DAP two, independent one in Batu Lintang (See Chee How) and GPS 76.
Tiong called on everyone to accept all ex-PSB grassroot members throughout the state.
On April 5, The Vibes reported that the Registrar of Societies had given the go-ahead for leaders and members of former opposition party PSB to enter PDP.
The three current assemblymen of the now-dissolved PSB were also given clearance to join PDP, a source had told The Vibes that day.
PDP will see its size expand significantly after the Unity Night event.
The only opposition assemblymen left in the state now are from Sarawak DAP in the form of Chong Chien Jen (assemblyman for Padungan) and Violet Yong (Pending). – April 7, 2024.
