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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 9: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) remains unbothered by the claim of a merger between Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) and Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB), leaving the decision entirely to these two parties to chart their own course.
Premier of Sarawak and PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reiterated that PBB’s stand is similar to that of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), which is to allow the two parties to collaborate as they see fit.
He however maintained that only PDP is a member of GPS coalition, while PSB is not.
“Our stand, as previously stated, is to let the two parties engage among themselves and it is good that they are supporting GPS,” he told a press conference after chairing the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Supreme Council meeting at the party’s headquarters in Jalan Bako today.
Noting that the PDP-PSB collaboration is still in the early stages, Abang Johari added that the structure or specific details of their partnership has yet to be finalised.
In response to questions about the possibility of PSB dissolving and its members joining PDP, potentially leading to their inclusion in the GPS coalition, he deferred to PSB president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, stating, “That one you have to ask (Dato Sri Wong) Soon Koh (PSB president). It is up to them whether they are willing to dissolve the party or not. It has nothing to do with PBB and GPS.”
When pressed further if PDP will need approval from GPS for the merger, Abang Johari refused to elaborate, saying “Let them first lah. We will decide after that (if the merger happens)”.
Abang Johari emphasised that the assumed merger set for December is merely speculative at this point, and any developments are subject to change before December arrives. He stated, “I don’t want to comment, unless it has already happened.”
Meanwhile, PDP president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing had during the PDP and PSB unity night on Aug 19 in Sibu mentioned that the two parties are aiming to merge in December this year. — DayakDaily
