KUALA LUMPUR – Spending months as a government-friendly independent MP and yet being sidelined from some of the important decision-making processes had prompted Tebrau lawmaker Steven Choong to reassess his political future.
As he wanted a more prominent role to play in the country’s political scene, this was what inspired the former PKR man to help form Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), where he currently serves as senior vice-president I.
In an interview with The Vibes, Choong said he initially considered continuing as an independent MP or joining existing outfits, but felt that a new multi-racial party that fits his ideology is the best approach to take.
“Larry Sng (Julau MP and PBM president) and I, we used to be independent MPs. Although we supported the government, we were not called in to join meetings, including ones involving Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).
“I felt a bit left out. So, my people told me I have to be with a party and align myself with a coalition, and only then can I join the meetings and be in mainstream politics.
“That's why I mooted PBM. Larry said, ‘Why not we both go at it together?’ We are ready to be a small party, but this will serve as a vehicle so we can have a seat at the high table. Otherwise, we will just be outsiders.”
PBM was founded in November, taking over what was originally known as the Sarawak Workers Party, which was formed in 2012. It held its first general meeting on Saturday to appoint its top leadership.
Other than Choong and Sng, other notable names are party deputy president and former PKR women chief Haniza Mohamed Talha, who is Lembah Jaya assemblyman, and deputy president II and Merluan assemblyman Wong Judat.
Others include two former Bersatu members – party senior vice-president II and Buntong assemblyman A. Sivasubramaniam, and treasurer-general and Tronoh rep Paul Yong – as well as Malim Nawar rep Leong Cheok Keng, who was sacked from DAP last January.
According to Choong, he and Larry opted out of the possibility of joining Bersatu as associate members, as they would not be able to enjoy all the benefits of a full member.
Choong said he saw this as an unsuitable option for his political longevity.
He said this was also the motivation that drove over 50,000 members of the Penggerak Komuniti Negara (PKN) non-government organisation to join PBM.
PKN is a non-government organisation formed by Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin during her time helming the housing and local government portfolio, and is chaired by her former political aide, Nor Hizwan Ahmad.
Asked on Zuraida’s absence from the PBM line-up, following strong speculations that she would lead the new party, Choong said there had been discussions and a verbal invitation was sent to her prior to the party’s announcement, but there had been no answer.
“There were people expressing interest (about joining) at the beginning, but they had their own reasons for not coming, and we could only wait until December before holding our first party election.
As for Zuraida, I would assume she may have to consider many factors, such as her ministerial position. If you want to survive in politics, you need to associate yourself correctly.”
BN first choice, but door open to others
Choong said some potential recruits had also opted not to join PBM, as they were sceptical about the party’s official political alignment, or the lack thereof at present.
Sng had reportedly said 12 party divisions have proposed a resolution for PBM to join BN as a component party ahead of the 15th general election, and that formal discussions with the Umno-led coalition will go underway soon.
However, according to Choong, the decision to join BN is not final, and that PBM’s priority at the moment is to set up all its state chapters and ensure the party is functioning properly.
I wouldn’t say joining BN is a done deal. We are exploring, and BN is a likely choice. But we have not decided nor applied officially to be a component member,” he said, adding that the ruling coalition has the ultimate say on the matter.
In the event BN does not agree to the partnership, Choong said PBM will have to consider other options, including possibly with PN or Pakatan Harapan.
“We cannot be an independent party. There will be too many multi-cornered fights at the polls. We must join one of the existing coalitions, if possible.
“We are always open. But at the end of the day, we have to take into account the opinion of the grassroots.
“But if none of them accepts us, then yes, we have to go on our own. If we want our own party, then we have to be prepared about the possibility of going at it alone in the elections. Then, we will have to focus only on a select few seats.” – The Vibes, January 10, 2022
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