KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has rights to seats allocated to it unless decided otherwise by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Political analyst Dr Saudi Narani said he agreed with PRS secretary-general Datuk Janang Bungsu’s assertion that the six parliamentary seats allocated to PRS to contest in the previous general election were not up for negotiation.
“Yes, indeed it is non-negotiable as far as PRS is concerned. No other outside parties can deny that right except GPS based on an understanding within the coalition,” he said when contacted on Wednesday.
He pointed out that PRS should defend their parliamentary seats including Julau and Lubok Antu in the 15th general election.
“Of course, to be fair to all parties especially to the incumbent MPs Larry Sng (Julau MP) and Jugah Muyang (Lubok Antu MP), they have their rights to choose their own platforms.
“If they choose to be with PRS, they need to work it out smart, of course with PRS on the upper hand. Otherwise, take other platforms or standing as an independent can be good if there is no other choice,” he added.
Saudi said that in Sarawak politics, the discretion of the chief minister is distinct and paramount in the selection of candidates under the umbrella of GPS.
“Whether Barisan Nasional (BN) should interfere or join the fray in Sarawak politics is not for other parties to decide but solely BN themselves.
“We will see how the defunct BN can penetrate into Sarawak, if they dare to. The skills and the art of war apply, and as of now, I do not see any light at the end of the tunnel in this regard,” he said.
When asked for his views on the chances of PRS winning the six parliamentary seats, he said this was still very subjective at this point of time.
He said PRS needed candidates who are eminent, intellectual, and close to the people in these constituencies. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the party had its potential candidates in mind.
“Despite the demise of the party’s president, the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, PRS remains intact and strong despite leadership succession being on hold likely until after the 15th general election (GE-15),” he said.
He added that PRS’ performance in the recently concluded 12th state election was proven capable and strong under GPS and the leadership of Abang Johari.
Janang recently said that PRS did not want to rush into leadership transition just yet and would instead first focus on winning its allocated parliamentary seats in the coming GE-15.
“The role played by the party secretary-general is very important, and he has done the party administration very well with sound decision-making pertaining what ought to be done.
“He has set the right focus to reset, assess, and rejuvenate to be relevant and restoring the confidence of the people, especially the rural Dayak voters,” said Saudi.
