By Lian Cheng
BINTULU, Dec 1: About five per cent out of the total registered Parti Pribumi Malaysia Bersatu (Bersatu) in the state are Chinese members, who are termed as “Ahli Bersekutu” or Associate members.
A group of local leaders, when met at Bintulu Airport, told DayakDaily that the Chinese associate leaders within the party could not vote, contest or hold any party position unless appointed.
“They (the Chinese members within the party) also have the same rights as normal members except they can’t contest or hold any party posts unless appointed.
“The response is good. About five per cent of Sarawak’s total members are Chinese,” said a representative of the group who came from all parts of Sarawak to welcome Bersatu chairman, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad at the Bintulu Airport today.
According to the group, there were 18,000 registered Bersatu Sarawak members so far.
About 500 Pakatan Rakyat members were expected to be at the airport to welcome Dr Mahathir, who will be launching Bersatu Sarawak tonight at Bintulu Civic Centre.
At least 5,000 party members are expected to turn up for the launch.
It is understood that the entry of Bersatu into Sarawak will complete the Pakatan team in the state.
The leaders did not deny that the launch tonight was for the preparation of the next Sarawak Election which is expected to be called in 2021.
Recruitment for Bersatu Sarawak started four months ago on Sept 7, when they started their Orientation Roadshow to introduce Bersatu Sarawak.
The Orientation Roadshow started from Lundu and is moving to the whole of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
