KUCHING: The Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) has formally notified the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Speaker regarding the entry of former Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) members into the party.
Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian mentioned that while the former PSB representatives, including himself, are now considered ‘PDP YBs’ (PDP elected representatives) following the dissolution of PSB, it remains uncertain if there will be any changes to the seating rearrangements in the upcoming DUN sitting scheduled from May 6 to 15.
“We leave it to the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the DUN Speaker regarding where we sit in the next sitting.
“I was given to understand that the PDP president has notified the Premier and DUN Speaker, so I believe they know what to do,” he told the reporters after attending the Shell Malaysia Hari Raya open house event here today (Apr 12).
Regarding his support to Gabungan Parti Sarawak(GPS), he said it was due to his concern about the rise of extremism in Malaya, who often play up the 3R issues (race, religion and royalty).
Therefore, he said there is a need for Sarawak to strengthen itself amidst these challenges.
“With what is happening in Peninsular Malaysia now, I believe supporting GPS politically becomes crucial in this context; as it also allows Sarawak to serve as a check and balance within Malaysia,” he explained.
Furthermore, Baru said former PSB leaders have been supportive of GPS policies, noting that disagreements were minimal compared to areas of agreement.
“We (when in PSB) agreed and supported about 80 percent of GPS policies, there were only some differences and disagreements.
“So, rather than being hostile over minor differences it would be more effective to resolve these disparities and consolidate our agreements.
“This approach can lead to a stronger and more unified front, better equipped to address the challenges facing Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole,” he said.
Regarding grassroots support in Ba Kelalan, Baru expressed satisfaction with the response to PDP membership applications, receiving 3,000 forms within two weeks—surpassing previous numbers during his tenure with PKR and PSB.
He believed that this is a strong indication of their support for the initiative in dissolving PSB and joining PDP, as the grassroots also viewed it as a proper step at the right time.
PSB was dissolved recently while some of its leaders and some 80,000 members will be joining PDP.
PDP is expected to hold an extraordinary general meeting soon to appoint former PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh as the senior vice-president of PDP while Dr Johnicol Rayong and Baru Bian will be vice-presidents.
