KUCHING, Feb 9: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Pakan Youth condemns the intense lobbying of party supreme council member Nyempah Sabot who is also PRS Meluan chairman to represent the party in contesting the Julau seat in the upcoming 14th General Election (GE14).
PRS Youth Pakan division sent a clear message to former Supreme Council member, Joseph Allen who had supported Nyempah by saying that it was a positive sign of democracy.
To PRS Pakan Youth, Joseph’s support for Nyempah was “pushing the party’s unity over the edge”.
“Even though lobbying is a positive sign of democracy but in the party’s perspective, it will incite hatred and internal conflict amongst members.
“Solidarity and unity must be placed as an essential priority in order to keep the party intact so it remains strong.
“Further lobbying must be stopped once the party has announced and submitted the name of the candidates,” said PRS Pakan Youth chief Timothy Julius.
Timothy pointed out that the reason for PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing to announce the candidates for four seats it was contesting was to eradicate the side effect of lobbying activities at grassroots level among possible candidates.
“He (Masing) wants members to stay united and to start to focus on the preparation for the election after the announcement of candidates.
“Hence, any party member who still wants to lobby will be seen as trying to break the unity of the party, not only at grassroots level but also within the party,” said Timothy in a press statement today.
On the intense lobbying for the Julau seat by Nyempah, Timothy reminded him that “it is important for party members and leaders to subscribe to the party’s direction and toe its line”.
He said if Nyempah persisted with lobbying activites, then Nyempah was putting party unity at risk and his loyalth would be questioned.
“Further lobbying upon announcement of the candidate means he is not only testing his popularity in Julau based on ground sentiments but actually putting his allegience and loyalty to the party to an acid test.
“This course of action is deemed as challenging the party’s top leadership,” he added.
Timothy said the top national Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders such as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak or Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would not interfere in component party matters.
“No one knows what is best for the party than the party president himself. The party president’s decision will be taken heed of by the top BN leadership,” said Timothy.
Meanwhile, PRS Meluan Division Deputy Chairman, Councillor Minggang supported Timothy’s statement.
He pointed out that based on the recent gathering at Rumah Barak, Nyalak Ili, Pakan which was attended by thousands of supporters and PRS elected representatives, it was crystal clear that the party had endorsed incumbent Julau MP, Datuk Joseph Salang for the Julau seat.
“Our stand is clear and as far as PRS is concerned, the president has announced the candidate for Julau. There should be no more lobbying from other party members and leaders.
“It is against the party’s decision and it is gross insubordination if they continue. Actions will be taken to prevent this ill-mannered practice from spreading further,” said Minggang.
He said that as the chairman of PRS Meluan, Nyempah should show a good example for the members by not going against the party’s decision and mislead the people of Julau.
“Any act thereafter is a positive move by Nyempah to publicise and project himself as a candidate from outside BN in this coming election for Julau,” said Minggang.
The parliamentary seat of Julau comprises the state seats of Pakan and Meluan. — DayakDaily
