KUCHING: Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, in a surprise move, yesterday announced his decision to quit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) where he was deputy president.
The decision took everyone, politicians and non-politicians alike, by surprise as just 15 days ago, together with other top leaders of PSB, he had signed a loyalty and commitment pledge to the party.
Surprise and shock aside, Dr Jerip leaving PSB may be just the tip of the iceberg as cracks are appearing in the party which is short of four days to its fifth anniversary on July 14.
Speculations are rife that Dr Jerip’s resignation would trigger more party members to follow suit including two big wigs.
In an unexpected twist yesterday, he announced his decision to quit the party with immediate effect through a press release.
Dr Jerip said, “I’ve come to the decision after consulting the people and supporters in my constituency.
“It has been a painful decision for me. But it has to be made as I am fully aware and convinced that only the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) under the leadership of the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has the vision, commitment and programmes to bring even better development to our rural
communities.”
He also expressed confidence that the people would benefit a great deal through the GPS government’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
The RTP is about bringing better infrastructure to rural areas and other socio-economic programmes to help uplift the people’s living standard, he said.
In addition, Dr Jerip said, “Our Chief Minister is steadfast and committed to protecting Sarawak rights and interests. We need to stand solidly behind him in his struggle.”
He went on to say that only the GPS government can unite Sarawakians who must be strong and seen to be strong in their struggle to seek the return of their lost and eroded rights.
According to Dr Jerip, his decision also took into consideration the
greater interest of the Bidayuh.
“(By this decision) I can contribute toward solidifying and consolidating Bidayuh unity within the Sarawak
government.”
He also pledged his “fullest support” to the Chief Minister in
continuing to lead Sarawak.
Dr Jerip first contested in the Mambong seat (then named as Bengoh) as an independent candidate in 1996 state election.
He, however, lost to the late Datuk William Tanyuh, who represented SUPP-BN.
He only won the seat in 2001 state election under the Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP)-BN banner but left the party in 2014 to join UPP along with Wong.
