KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president, Datuk Patinggi (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg said the party’s position in Barisan Nasional (BN) will be determined after consultations with the three other components in Sarawak BN namely Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP). Abang Jo announced this during a press conference after chairing a three-hour meeting at PBB headquarters here yesterday.
“I will call for a meeting; we don’t have to be in haste and we have to let the dust settle down first as we just had the General Election a week ago,” said Johari, who is also the state Barisan Nasional chairman and Chief Minister. When asked if their new platform will be branded as opposition or friendly to Pakatan Harapan (PH) should they leave BN, Johari repeated himself saying they will work together with the federal government.
“What I said is that we will work together with the federal government but we won’t join PH; we will work with them within the context of the Federal Constitution,” said Johari, pointing out that PBB, being strategically and uniquely independent, will continue protecting Sarawak’s interests as a united coalition of Sarawak-based parties.
He said the 19 elected members of parliament, 13 of which are from PBB will fight for Sarawak interests in the federal parliament ensuring that the needs of the people of Sarawak will be supported by the present ruling government in the interests of Malaysia as a whole.
“We will enhance all efforts to take back our infringed rights under MA63, the federal constitution, and all relevant laws and continue to serve the people of Sarawak and fulfil the 2016 State Election Manifesto,” he concluded.
