This is the second of a three-part series with Sarawak PKR chairperson and Julau MP, Larry Sng Wei Shien.
KOTA KINABALU - Sarawak PKR chief Larry Sng Wei Shien describes the defection of the party’s elected representatives earlier this year as one of the most painful experiences.
As the Pakatan Harapan (PH) federal government fell in February, four out of six MPs from Sarawak PKR defected, leaving Sng, and Dr Michael Teo Yu Keng as the remaining members.
Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo), and Ali Biju (Saratok) quit PKR and pledged their allegiances to the newly formed Perikatan Nasional (PN) government.
Ali Biju currently serves as the Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources under the PN administration.
Baru Bian (Selangau) joined Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), while Jugah Muyang (Lubuk Antu) pledged his loyalty to Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak-led (GPS) state government.
Sng, however, said there were no shortages of candidates to fill the vacuum left following the departure of these leaders, as the party has more than its fair share of members who are well prepared, educated and capable of taking up the mantle.
He added, the tough moment did serve as a blessing in disguise as all the senior leaders who were previously marginalised joined hands to assist in rebuilding the party.
“Sarawak PKR was previously very closed, and they were not open to new leaders,” he said.
“So I think it's good that in the long run, it has changed this mentality, and people of all races and all backgrounds are welcome to join PKR under this new leadership.”
I know what it feels like
Sng was named the Sarawak PKR chief in March, and immediately stated his intention to reposition the party to be more open, including welcoming the possibility of defectors rejoining them
He said this would help soften the image of the new leadership in the state, and he expressed hopes the defectors would reconsider their decision in leaving PKR.
“I think the offer to bring back those who have left, for a start, is a genuine offer. Secondly, it was based on my personal experience, having been sacked from PRS,” he said.
“I know because this was how I was treated. I was embarrassed, discriminated, marginalised, even after having left the party. It had a big impact on me.”
For Sng, PKR is a national movement, which attracts members not because of money and power, but for what it stands for.
He added, it is of utmost importance that PKR supporters know that changes may have been witnessed at the leadership level, but the principles of the party remain the same to when it began 22 years back. – The Vibes, October 17, 2020
The first part of this series was published on October 16, 2020.
