KUCHING, Apr 16: While declaring that he has yet to join any party, Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian also announces that he finds the constitution of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) “quite attractive”.
In a press statement today, he said he has been taking time during the movement control order (MCO) to ponder upon his political future.
“After the aftermath of the political intrigue in Kuala Lumpur last month, I am back at my legal practice, as well as being an independent MP and ADUN. I have yet to join a political party.
“While keeping safe at home due to the enforcement of the MCO due to Covid-19, I have some time to ponder upon my next political step.
“And I am surprised many are quite interested to know what’s next. I would have preferred not to engage in political matters now but to focus our energies on combatting Covid-19, but in the circumstances, I am compelled to issue a statement on my thoughts for the future,” said Baru, who is also Selangau MP.
He then highlighted his stand on issues of his concern including Native Customary Land (NCR) and preservation of environment, unity and racial relations, infrastructure and economic opportunities, education, natural resources, civil service, unemployment, corruption and Sarawak’s rights.
Following that, he concluded in his summary that he is looking forward to working together with like-minded Sarawakians who want to see a change for a better Sarawak after being ruled by Barisan Nasional (BN) and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) for the last 57 years.
“We must work together to build a New Sarawak that we know is possible,” said Baru.
Lastly, Baru outlined the way forward for him. It is in this part that he voiced out his approval for PSB’s constitution.
“Finally, in line with the strong Sarawak local sentiment, I have examined all the locally based political parties operating in Sarawak, particularly those deemed to be in opposition to BN and GPS. I must say that the constitution of the Party Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is quite attractive,” said Baru.
He listed out seven PSB objectives, among them is “To strive for a fair, just, equal and equitable Malaysian Society for all peoples irrespective of race or religion”.
“The objectives of PSB resonate with my ideals and I believe, with the ideals of most Sarawakians. Most importantly, the party promotes multi-racialism and unity.”
“As to joining an existing political party or forming a new political party, I am looking at the stand similar to that of Party Warisan Sabah that captured the sentiment and the desire of Sabahans – a locally based party fighting for their state rights and becoming a crucial player not only in determining who sits in Putrajaya but in playing a pivotal role in balancing the political process towards a truly Malaysian Nation.
“But above all, it must be a party that shares, primarily, this is ‘My Vision of Hope’ for Sarawak,” said Baru.
In the final part of his statement, he believed while others are fighting the pandemic as well as lending a helping hand to those in need, politics should wait.
“For the present, while many of our fellow citizens venture out of their homes each day to fight against an invisible army in a limitless battlefield and to provide essential services to those of us lucky enough to be able to stay cocooned in the safety of our homes, it is not right that we engage in politicking.
“Instead let us focus our energies on helping out in any way we can until this deadly crisis is over. Politics can wait,” said Baru.
Baru who was Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak chief, had been aligned with former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
When Azmin left PKR to join Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Baru followed his other Sarawakian counterparts including Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin and Saratok MP Ali Biju.
However, in the eleventh hour, Baru went back to give his support to former prime minster Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Following that decision and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin being sworn in as premier, Baru became partyless while Ali and Mongin who stayed put were appointed deputy ministers.— DayakDaily
