KUCHING: A political analyst predicted that determining party positions would be a challenge after the proposed merger between Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) takes shape.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) senior lecturer Dr Lee Kuok Tiung said however, talks of the proposed merger has been quiet for a while, believing that the two parties are looking at the legal and technical aspects.
“I believe throughout this period of time they are examining the technical and legal aspects in order to be in line with existing regulations or laws.
“The most challenging question is the positions in the party after the merger later. Whether the party (PSB) will be dissolved or otherwise is still a big question,” Lee said.
He said this when speaking to New Sarawak Tribune on his views and expectation for the upcoming PSB delegates’ conference on Feb 17.
It is heavily speculated that a resolution to dissolve the party will be made during the conference. Lee however remained skeptical on whether the party dissolution will be on the agenda.
“We are already aware of the past story of the party’s leadership when it was known as United People’s Party (UPP) where only Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (TERAS) that kept its promise was eventually dissolved,” he said.
Similarly, Lee said, issues affecting the grassroots must be resolved as both parties have members at division and branch levels with their own set of leaders.
“This is because PSB and PDP have their own branches or division of their respective parties. It’ll become a polemic if overlooked or failure to handle wisely.
“On the top leadership shouldn’t be a problem as they have consulted intensively among themselves but the problem is at the grassroots,” he said.
He said after the merger, there cannot be two leaders heading one division, adding that the same issue will affect candidate selections.
At the same time, he said the question of party loyalty also arises because the merger is driven by political interests rather than ideological alignment in the struggle.
On Monday (Feb 12), PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, told reporters that the merger between PDP and PSB would be carefully planned and executed to comply with the Anti-Hopping Law.
“We will finalise everything first. Once resolved, we will make an announcement. This process is similar to marriage. After tying the knot, we will inform others,” he said.
