KUCHING, August 31: Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has received 19,868 membership applications in Sarawak and its group of supporters is now calling on the party to officially spread its wings here.
Group spokesperson Affendi Jeman said they have targeted to register some 50,000 new members with the hope that prime minister and Bersatu chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad would consider launching the party in Sarawak by year’s end.
“Our supporters come from various racial and social background across the state, as we fight for all people and not a certain group.
“We are confident of attracting many new members, this is based on the mood of Sarawakians who wants to see a change in the state political landscape as seen in the result of GE14, which saw Barisan Nasional losing 12 parliamentary seats in Sarawak.
“Our supporters, who are multi-racial, goes to show that the people are ready to accept Bersatu,” he told a press conference at a hotel here today.
Among the prominent figures who have submitted their membership form included former Mas Gading MP Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe, who was also present at the event.
Affendi said the group has also set a bold target of registering about 200,000 members before the next state election due by 2021.
He added that people who have submitted their applications to become Bersatu members consisted various ethnics and background including the Malays, Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Penan, Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit among others.
Over 100 party supporters representing 31 parliamentary constituencies in the state converged in the city since Thursday for a meeting.
“The first step is to get Bersatu top leadership to approve registration of branches in Sarawak before we launch the party at the end of the year,” he continued. — DayakDaily
