No one from PBB is defecting, insists Sarawak assistant minister

Assistant minister in the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Department, Abdullah Saidol, has called rumours of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) members and those from other state BN components defecting to Pakatan Harapan “absolutely ridiculous.”

In a statement today, Abdullah also asked why state Harapan chief Chong Chieng Jen was getting “jumpy” over the rumour that PBB members would jump ship, and called the assumption “self-flattering.”

Yesterday, Chong had vehemently objected to PBB joining Harapan, saying that it would be akin to Umno joining the coalition at the national level.

According to Abdullah, PBB is the backbone of the state’s BN fraternity, and it will maintain its political integrity by not acting like a “frog” and jumping.

“It is currently the elected government of Sarawak. Just in case they (Harapan) forgot, Sarawak is party to an agreement that conceived this country called Malaysia,” he said.

“PBB and our comrades in BN Sarawak have genuinely experienced a long and matured political history and we are growing in tandem with Sarawak’s modern evolution.

“It is unlike those political parties in Sarawak Harapan who are being remotely controlled by their leaders from Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

Abdullah (photo) also denied that PBB was getting desperate after its showing in the 14th general election.

Wednesday’s polls saw Harapan parties gaining ground in Sarawak by increasing its six seats to 10, while BN lost six of the 25 seats it held previously.

“We are not desperate because we know where our political strength lies.

“We Sarawakians are always proud of ourselves, will stay united in diversity, and will appreciate the democratic principle of mutually agreeing to disagree.

“We respect the people’s verdict with an open heart and pledge to work even harder for the interest of all Sarawakians,” he said.

The assistant minister also pointed out that chief minister Abang Johari Abang Openg had clearly indicated that the state government is prepared to cooperate with the newly-elected Harapan federal government.

“We will ensure such cooperation will not be detrimental or diminish Sarawak’s interests and that it must be in accordance with the federal constitution,” he said.

Harapan’s efforts to fulfil their manifesto promises, particularly those that pertain to Sarawakian interests, will also be closely monitored, he added.

“The state government will not abandon or step back from its solid desire to pursue the devolution of powers from the federal government, and to regain all legitimate rights of Sarawak, either those enshrined under the MA63 or as stipulated under the federal constitution.

“We will also consider all available options to ensure our demands will earn the desired attention, respect and result,” he stressed. -Mkini