SIBU: In a move that confirmed Parti Sarawak Bersatu’s (PSB) dissolution, its senior party leaders have joined Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) en masse and appointed to positions within PDP.
PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced that former PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh has been appointed as PDP senior vice-president while former PSB deputy president Dr. Johnical Rayong Ngipa and secretary-general Baru Bian were appointed as PDP vice-presidents.
Tiong said the decision was discussed during the party’s supreme council meeting earlier today (April 6).
“They were the leaders of the party (PSB), especially Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh, who is a veteran with years of experience in the party. We need your views and suggestions.
“We work together as one party to solve and give input on the state’s development,” he said in his speech at a welcoming party for former PSB leaders and members to join PDP here tonight.
Tiong also urged his party members at all levels to welcome former PSB members.
“If there are any shortcomings, let’s solve them through roundtable discussions as we are now one family,” he added.
Tiong said the decision made as an important milestone in the political landscape of Sarawak, and he expressed his gratitude for Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) led by Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for making it possible.
In the 12th Sarawak State Election in 2021, PSB won four seats, which are Bawang Assan (Wong), Engkilili (Rayong), Ba’kelalan (Baru), and Batu Lintang (See Chee How).
In August 2022, See left PSB to become an independent leaving PSB with three seats.
On 13th July 2023, Tiong and Wong signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), signalling the start of the potential PSB-PDP merger.
With the absorption of PSB members into PDP, the party now holds a total of eight state seats.
This includes Tasik Biru (Datuk Henry Harry Jinep), Krian (Friday Belik), Meluan (Roland Duat), Dudong (Tiong), and Marudi (Datuk Dr. Penguang Manggil).
At the parliamentary level, PDP has two seats represented by Tiong (Bintulu) and Datuk Anyi Ngau (Baram).
