PRS president: PDP-PSB collab not a surprise

KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Datuk Joseph Salang Gandom said the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP)-Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) collaboration was not a surprise to him as his party was also initially approached to join the collaboration.
 
According to him, only PRS’ deputy president and secretary-general knew about PSB’s interest in collaborating with them.
 
“Before accepting the offer made by PSB, agreements and a reaction from the other component parties are first needed.
 
“PSB had shown interest in collaborating or working together with us.
 
“However, as a veteran in politics, I wanted to have initial blessings and thoughts (regarding the matter) from the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,” he said.
 
Salang added that while the political situation in Sarawak may seem healthy now, his biggest priority is to look ahead with regards to Sarawakian politics three years from now.
 
“When we heard about the collaboration that was happening in Kuala Lumpur, we were not surprised by the outcome.
 
“So, we must not only think of pleasure or what we are going to enjoy or be excited about today. We also need to think about what will happen three years from now,” he said at the 4th anniversary of the PRS Serembu branch at Siniawan Multipurpose Hall here last night (July 21).
 
According to Salang, in his recent meeting with the premier, he said that Abang Johari was fully aware of the collaboration and knew that PRS was the first choice to accommodate PSB’s assemblymen.
 
He also stressed that the faithfulness and willingness of PRS to help other component parties have caused them not to accept the proposal made by PSB.
 
“We are gaining; we are not losing. If PSB is joining PDP in order to become committed to having a Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), they will also be helping us and not disturb us in the future if there is sincerity in their endeavour,” he stressed.
 
Among those present at the event were PRS deputy president Datuk Majang Renggi, PRS vice presidents Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, PRS Women chief Datuk Seri Doris Sophia Brodie, PRS Youth chief Datuk Snowdan Lawan, and PRS Serembu chief Datuk Peter Nyomek Nyeap.