Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh has reiterated that PSB remains an independent political party regardless of its seating arrangement in the August House.
He was assigned to be seated with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) members for the tabling of the 2020 State Budget.
“I am clarifying that PSB is no longer part of GPS. We are an independent, locally-based party that fights for the interests and rights of Sarawakians.
“As well as for the wellbeing of Sarawakians irrespective of race, religion and culture,” he said when met by reporters at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex yesterday.
Explaining on the seating arrangement, Wong said his PSB assemblymen were seated at the same bench with GPS.
“We are now still seated among the GPS elected representatives but we do not want this to be construed that we are still part of GPS,” he stressed.
PSB’s elected representatives are Opar assemblyman Datuk Ranum Mina, Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King and Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa.
He also said that he had raised the matter concerning the seating arrangement with DUN Speaker Datuk Amar Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar.
“This is the prerogative of the Speaker who had arranged the seating.”
On the other hand, when asked whether PSB felt uncomfortable with the seating, Wong said PSB was fine with Asfia’s decision.
“I’m very happy with the present seating arrangement and wherever I’m assigned to sit, it’s okay so long as I have a place in the Dewan.”
He now seats between Pakan assemblyman Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom and Deputy DUN Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is also Mulu assemblyman.
Wong, who is the former Second Finance Minister and International Trade and E-Commerce Minister, reiterated that PBS had no affiliation with other political parties and was independent.
“We just don’t want to give the wrong message that we are still part of GPS because we have been arranged to sit together with GPS.”
