KUCHING: Political analysts believe that the proposed merger between the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu is unlikely to happen this year.
According to political analyst Professor Dr Novel Lyndon, based on the response from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties, particularly Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), they are strongly against the merger.
Additionally, GPS secretary-general Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi reminded all component parties that any decision or action that could disrupt the coalition’s unity, understanding, and stability should be referred to the proper channel during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Special Convention for Sibu Zone held last month.
Regarding the proposed merger, Linggi stated that the decision should be made through discussions and must have the consensus of PBB and other component parties.
“I don’t think the merger will happen or be finalised this month. I believe they need more discussions before taking any action. Many issues need to be resolved, such as seat allocation during elections, the appointment of party council members, and matters related to Tuai Rumah. All these should be thoroughly deliberated,” said Novel.
“Otherwise, even the grassroots members of PDP will not welcome or support the merger,” he told New Sarawak Tribune during an interview.
Novel believes that as a political party, PSB has its interests or agenda. Therefore, they will demand something before agreeing to the merger and dissolving their party.
In July of this year, PDP and PSB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for collaboration in Kuala Lumpur and aimed to merge by December.
PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing stated that the merger of the two parties was solely aimed at “serving the people of Sarawak and especially the state government under our Premier who gave us full support.”
Meanwhile, PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh recently informed reporters that with the merger of the two parties, the new party would not have a new name and would remain under PDP.
“PDP is a component party of GPS, so the new party has to be PDP; otherwise, the anti-party hopping law will apply,” he said.
He added that Tiong would become the president of the new entity after the merger.
Wong, who is the Bawang Assan assemblyman, mentioned that the merger was still “waiting for the green light” from Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Political scientist Prof. Dr Jayum Jawan from Universiti Putra Malaysia doubts if Abang Johari will give the green light, considering the objections from GPS component parties against the merger.
“Why would SUPP and PRS agree or support the merger? If the proposed merger happens, PDP will become stronger by taking over or absorbing the three seats from PSB,” he said.
The three seats in question are Engkilili, Bawang Assan, and Ba’Kelalan. Two of these seats are traditionally allocated to SUPP, while Ba’Kelalan is PDP’s traditional seat in GPS.
Allowing the merger could potentially lead to seat disputes within GPS during the upcoming elections, according to Jayum.
Jayum also expressed his opinion that Abang Johari should dismiss the request from PSB for the green light.
“It seems like Wong is trying to pass the decision to the Premier. I think he should retire gracefully and not worry about Sarawak since it is in Abang Johari’s capable hands,” he added.
