KUCHING, May 3: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Petra Jaya chairman Baharuddin Mokhsen called Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Tan Sri James Jemut Masing a racist who is risking racial disharmony among Sarawakians.
Criticising Masing for his ‘uncalled-for’ remarks against state PKR chairman Baru Bian for contesting in Selangau parliamentary seat in this 14th General Election, Baharuddin said: “His mocking statement is that Baru is not an Iban, and as an Orang Ulu who had failed to make it among his own people in GE13, therefore is jumping over to Selangau is not seen as a threat in the Iban-majority area in GE14.
“Masing is creating racial disharmony for saying this. Baru is not standing in Selangau because of race, but for social economic issues and a new political consciousness.
“Baru is moving forward, way beyond racial and communal politics. He should be seen as a credible, professional and courageous candidate who will speak for the rakyat,” Baharuddin said in a press conference today.
Thanking Masing for his ‘openness’, Baharuddin said PKR Sarawak believes voters in Selangau will prove Masing wrong.
Baru is facing newcomer Rita Insol from Barisan Nasional-PRS.
Based on ground observations, Baharuddin added that PKR is doing well in Selangau and they are confident Baru will win, while PKR Saratok candidiate Ali Biju is doing extremely well, in fact, beyond expectation.
“In Baram, Sibuti and Lubok Antu, our PKR candidates are still working very hard. Petra Jaya is known as a difficult seat, but we are making a very positive progress for this one,” he said.
As for Miri, he said the whole Pakatan Harapan team are working together beautifully, despite earlier hiccups and miscommunications. — DayakDaily
