KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice-president Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong (pic) was delighted that Datuk Dr Jerip Susil has joined his party.
Dr Jerip, who is Mambong assemblyman, represents another step towards reaching the “magic” number eight in the total number of Bidayuh seats for GPS.
“Now we have six PBB Bidayuh assemblymen,” he told reporters when met at PBB Headquarters, Jalan Bako here yesterday.
“Just now when the application is presented to the supreme council members, we unanimously agreed to it which means the Bidayuh is among the major groups in PBB.
Manyin defended Jerip’s arrival and insisted that the move was not at the expense of SUPP, Dr Jerip’s one-time former party before he joined PSB.
“Jerip left SUPP for UPP and recently he resigned, meaning he is now partyless,” said Manyin.
Asked on whether Jerip’s former PSB colleague, Datuk Ranum Mina, is looking to emulate the doctor, Manyin said it was not for him to speculate.
Manyin also reminded the Bidayuh not to take things lightly in view of the coming state election.
“I have urged all Bidayuh assemblymen — twice, in fact — to gather together and identify issues that could plague the community in the next state election. I have alerted them to find solutions to the issues,” he explained.
