By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Feb 27: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) will not accept the ex-Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) trio into the party’s fold.
“Many supporters wanted us to absorb YB Baru and his team into PBK and by them joining us, they said we can immediately have three MPs in Parliament to uplift the profile of the Party.
“But we cannot compromise on principle by allowing crossover of YBs from other political parties unless they vacate their seats.
“We are not keen to project our party image by having YBs elected from other political parties to join us,” said PBK president Voon Lee Shan in reference to Selangau MP Baru Bian, Saratok MP Ali Biju and Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin who left PKR on Feb 24 in the midst of a political attempt to form a new government.
PBK is also unable consider the trio due to diverse political beliefs where PBK is strong grounded on seeking Sarawak’s independence while the trio are not.
“We have never heard YB Baru Bian and his Team seeking freedom and independence for Sarawak and therefore, we can hardly see they could be an asset to us,” said Voon.
Meanwhile, Voon clarified that neither he nor any other party leaders had approached or had been approached by the trio on joining PBK.
“We want to stress that PBK has never directly or indirectly approached or sought them to join the party.
“There is ongoing speculation in the market that the three YBs – Baru, Willie and Ali and their supporters have been approached by PBK to get them into our party.
“I wish to inform the public that there is no such approach by PBK directly or indirectly to invite them to join PBK.
“At the moment, there is no reason at all for PBK to get them to join our party because we are in two different directions,” Voon told a press conference at his office here to clear the air.
Among those present at the press conference were PBK’s director of political affairs for Kuching and Samarahan, Raymond Thong, PBK’s representative for Bidayuh Affair Freedy Misid, and coordinator for Thong, Lue Cheng Hing.— DayakDaily
