Sarawak PKR chief claims bribe offered to turn division chiefs against him

Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian has claimed there are attempts to bribe division chiefs in the state loyal to him to switch sides.

Despite this, the Selangau MP said he still commanded majority support amongst the division chiefs.

"We know there are statutory declarations being circulated amongst the division chiefs to replace me and large sums of money have been offered to those willing to support the movement to oust me," he told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

The press conference comes a day after Selangau PKR chief Joshua Jabeng claimed that 18 out of 30 division chiefs in Sarawak PKR wanted Baru replaced.

However, Baru claimed Joshua's position is only supported by 11 division chiefs. In contrast, Baru said he commanded the support of 19 out of the 30 division chiefs.

To prove his claim, Baru presented 16 of the 19 division chiefs at the press conference.

"Today, 16 out of the 19 division chiefs are present to show support. Three more (who support me) are unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances.

"Two are overseas, and another has an official duty in Sarawak," he said.

The 31st division, the newly-set up Tanjung Manis, has not held its election and therefore does not have an elected division chief.

Baru, an ally of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali, said the presence of the division chiefs proved that he still has the support to remain as Sarawak PKR chief.

The move to oust Baru became public after the Selangau MP said he planned to cancel the Sarawak PKR convention.

He demanded that the central leadership reverse the decision to rescind the invitation to Azmin to officiate the PKR Youth national congress next month.

This was amid Azmin's feud with PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

Azmin publicly backed Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to serve for a full term despite Anwar slated to succeed him before then.

Harapan has a consensus for Mahathir to hand over power to Anwar, but no timeline was specified.

Baru maintained that following the central leadership ignoring the protest against Azmin's snub, the biennial Sarawak PKR convention which is due to take place in Miri this Saturday would be cancelled.

He also suggested that there are efforts to use the convention as a platform to oust him.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, 30 out of the 46-member Sarawak PKR leadership reiterated the decision to cancel the convention.

"Contrary to what was stated by national leaders, we wish to reiterate that the decision by the Sarawak PKR leadership council to cancel the convention was and continues to be a majority decision.

"The state leadership council consists of 46 members. Out of the 46, 32 members reached a consensus to cancel the convention. This is a clear majority," they said.

They added that the move to cancel the convention was not a threat.

"We are genuinely dismayed and disturbed by recent events that have betrayed our party's principles of justice and democracy," they said.

They added that Sarawak PKR is disappointed that central leaders are not respecting the state chapter's autonomy.

"A state convention comes under the purview of the state, but the decision by headquarters to proceed with the convention blatantly ignores the wishes of the majority of the state leadership council and breaches the autonomy agreement," they said.

The Sarawak PKR division chiefs who support of Baru are:

1. Boniface Willie Tumek (Mas Gading)
2. Cyril Langin (Serian)
3. Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo)
4. Simon Siah (Bandar Kuching).
5. See Chee How (Stampin).
6. Baharuddin Mokhsen (Petrajaya)
7. Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh (Batang Lupar)
8. Yen Jebeni (Sri Aman)
9. Nicholas Bawin Anggat (Lubok Antu)
10. Vernon Kedit (Betong)
11. Ali Biju (Saratok)
12. George Chen (Kanowit)
13. Abdul Raafidin Majidi (Sibu)
14. Hung Soon Kieng (Lanang)
15. Kelvin Kilo (Bintulu)
16. Abun Sui Anyiu (Hulu Rajang)
17. Jemree Sabli (Kota Samarahan)
18. Roland Engan (Baram)
19. Baru Bian (Lawas)

The Sarwak PKR division chiefs who oppose Baru are:

1. Larry Sng (Julau)
2. Sng Chee Hua (Sarikei)
3. Sng Chee Eng (Kapit)
4. Dr Michael Teo (Miri)
5. Dr Lau Liak Koi (Limbang)
6. Joshua Jabeng (Selangau)
7. Morshidi Mahtali (Igan)
8. Ahmad Nazib (Santubong)
9. Piee Ling (Batang Sadong)
10. Abdul Jalil Buang (Mukah)
11. Mohdar Ismail (Sibuti)

-Mkini