KUCHING: Datuk Dr Jerip Susil’s decision to quit Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is in the greater interest of the Mambong electorate, said Unimas senior lecturer Associate Professor Dr Ahi Sarok (pic).
Ahi said Dr Jerip has strong following in Mambong right to this day. If he were to remain with PSB, his constituents would most likely be deprived of the much-needed development fund.
“He (Dr Jerip) would also have a slim chance to be re-nominated to defend the seat under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) ticket in the next state election,” Ahi pointed out.
Dr Jerip, who was the deputy president of PSB, announced his resignation with immediate effect in a press release dated July 10 and signed by him. The press release, however, was only issued to the press yesterday.
“By quitting PSB, Dr Jerip’s chances of being nominated by GPS look certain,” said Ahi in a
telephone interview yesterday.
“To me, Dr Jerip has made the right decision,” Ahi added.
However, his unimas colleague has a different take of the matter.
Lecturer and political analyst Dick Lembang Dungun said the decision does not reflect well on Dr Jerip’s political principle.
“GPS must think wisely if ever they want to accept him to join any of the coalition members,” he said.
Dr Jerip, who was the No.2 man in PSB, announced his decision to quit the party with immediate effect through a letter dated July 10 with his signature on it and distributed to the press yesterday.
In the letter, he said he arrived at the decision after “consulting the people and supporters in my constituency”.
“My decision too is in the greater interest of the Bidayuh unity,” he added.
