KUCHING, Nov 4: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is an independent party and not affiliated with any political camp, regardless of whether they are locally based or from West Malaysia.
In today’s Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, party president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh who is also Bawang Assan assemblyman was seated amongst the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) backbenchers.
“I wish to clarify that although I am seated next to GPS members, it does not mean PBS is part of GPS,” he told reporters at the DUN complex media room.
He is now seated next to former minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, who is currently Pakan assemblyman and with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
Other PBS elected representatives Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King, Opar assemblyman Datuk Ranum Mina and Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa were seated with the ruling coalition backbenchers.
In July, PSB leaders were left out of the councillor appointments list and Wong subsequently resigned from the state cabinet as second finance minister and minister of international trade and e-commerce.
As for the seating arrangement in DUN, Wong said there is nothing much he could do about where he should sit because this is the prerogative of the Speaker to arrange the elected representatives’ seating.
“Where we are seated does not matter. It is not important. As long as I have a place in the assembly, that is fine with me. But today, I want to make it clear that sitting next to GPS does not mean we are affiliated with them. We do not want people to interpret us wrongly. PBS is an independent party which fights for every Sarawakian’s well-being and interests, regardless of race or religion,” he emphasised.
As for the State Budget 2020 which was announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg earlier today, although Wong declined to comment further, he said overall it was a good budget.
