Datuk Dr Jerip Susil
KUCHING: Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil says he is in the midst of carrying out a survey in the constituency to listen to feedback from the grassroots on which BN component party he should join.
He said the survey would involve various sectors of the constituents, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community leaders and associations.
This, he said was in response to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem’s directive for the nine partyless elected representatives to consult their constituents first before applying to join Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
“Yes … I am carrying out a survey (in my constituency) to listen to feedback from the voters on which political party they want me to join..and this is the directive from the chief minister to all the nine partyless assemblyman who contested under Team Adenan as direct Barisan Nasional (BN) candidates,” Dr Jerip told reporters yesterday after the opening of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Dr Jerip, who is Assistant Minister for Public Health, said he would not be in a rush to submit the survey result to the chief minister, reasoning that the matter would involve the various sectors of the voters.
On United People’s Party’s rejection of his resignation from the party, Dr Jerip said it was directed by BN top leadership to allow them to contest as direct BN candidates.
Dr Jerip, was among seven UPP members, including Ranum Mina (Opar) and Johnical Rayong Nyipa (Engkilili) who have applied to join PBB.
“When we resigned from the party to allow us to contest (as direct BN candidates) and the party later rejecting our resignation this is their (UPP) interpretation of the party’s constitution … we are now still partyless,” he said.