KUCHING, May 31: Former PKR National Women vice-chief Voon Shiak Ni is not ruling out the possibility of setting up a new locally based political party in Sarawak.
Voon, who is also a former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak vice-chairman, was responding to the move by Selangau MP Baru Bian and Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How to join Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) yesterday.
“The idea came with some former senior PKR grassroots leaders who have yet to join the fray with PSB and have opted to stay where they are at this moment.
“I am not joining any other party for the time being but I am also not ruling out the possibility of exploring the option of moving one very own locally based political party for Sarawak,” she disclosed in a statement.
Known as a human rights activist in Sarawak, Voon opined that Baru and See have done a ‘tremendous’ good job as peoples’ representatives in the state for the past nine years.
“…it is expected that they will explore the possibilities of engaging with a locally based political platform to advance their visions and aspirations for Sarawak.
“Of course there are mixed feelings about both of them joining PSB (Parti Sarawak Bersatu) but I believe as long as they continue to do the right thing for the people, it is not a big issue for them to join another party…,” Voon pointed out.
She also opined that it was unfair to label ex-PKR leaders who joined PSB as ‘katak’ (frogs) as they did so because they want to move forward.
“I respect the decisions of all my former comrades who have chosen to move forward with PSB. They have my moral support and blessing wherever they are,” Voon added.
On May 6, Voon announced her resignation from PKR, attributing her decision to negativity plaguing the party with the recent sacking of both national and Sarawak leaders.
She revealed the situation has changed beyond comprehension over the past years and the sackings had failed to maintain the confidence of the public in the party.
However, she gave assurance that she will continue to serve as a social activist for the community in her capacity as a lawyer. — DayakDaily
