By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Sept 26: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan dispelled rumours that the party has been “bought” by Pakatan Harapan (PH) and he has been given a “Datuk Seri” title.
He claimed that the damaging rumours aimed to hurt PBK which is the only party that has a clear stand of fighting for Sarawak’s independence.
“The rumours say that PBK has been bought over and I have been awarded the title of ‘Datuk Seri’ to tone down my stand in fighting for Sarawak’s independence. To me, it’s very damaging.
He added that the rumours stated PH chairman Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad could not stand the party’s fight for independence, and thus the offer was made, and now PH is supposedly working together with PBK.
“We will not have any cooperation or link with PH. We don’t want (to have) anything to do with Malaya. It can’t fit into our agenda,” said Voon in a press conference today.
He said there were also rumours that PBK was sponsored by PH, while there were others claiming that it was supported by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“This is not true. We are not sponsored by anyone or any tycoon. We are fighting because our members and potential candidates believe that they should come out to fight for Sarawak’s independence.
“They believe in the cause, very, very strongly. They are willing to sacrifice, to come out with their own resources to fight in the election.
“Saying we are sponsored and that I have been given Datukship are our opponents’ ways of trying to demoralise our supporters.”
The former Batu Lintang assemblyman also said some rumours have gone to the extent that PBK is now under investigation and would soon be de-registered.
“No such thing. I have never been called or arrested by the police.
“I want to tell the public that the relevant authorities are very aware of the way (how) we are going to achieve independence. Many of the top brass have been briefed by me. We will not go against any law.
“I hope members of the public stay strong behind us, and support us in the coming election,” said Voon.
Among those at the press conference were PBK vice-president Peter Asut and supreme council member Pok Ungkut. — DayakDaily
