Entulu (left) presents a special memento to long serving PRS member Naim Siye who was among the two honoured that night. Looking on are Doris and Edward.
PRS Tebedu’s women movement pro tem chief Norma Rantu (left) hands over new membership applications to Doris as Entulu and others look on
KUCHING: The biggest battles in the 11th State Election will be fought at Dayak-majority areas due to a `bigger’ challenge by the opposition, opined PRS deputy president Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun.
Hence, he called on PRS members to revive the spirit of the ‘old PBDS’ to ensure the party won all its seats as well as assist fellow Barisan Nasional (BN) components in areas not represented by PRS.
“The ‘big war’ is expected to be focused in areas where the Dayaks, particularly Ibans, are the majority.
“This is because the opposition feels secure in urban seats, and they are now aiming to win Dayak seats. The Malay-majority areas are considered safe for BN, but it is the Iban areas where the opposition sense they have a better opportunity, (this time around),” he said at PRS Bengoh, Tarat and Tebedu divisions’ joint dinner here on Saturday.
Entulu, who offficiated at the gathering on behalf of party president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing, touched a couple of times on the ‘old PBDS’, which was then a party with strong support throughout Sarawak.
He reminded those present that PRS is the successor to the ‘old PBDS’, and this fact is undeniable since PRS inherited all the seats previously held by the deregistered party.
Even the PRS’ march (anthem) has similar tune to the march of the ‘old PBDS’, he pointed out.
“Since we were once strong under the old PBDS, then why can’t we be as strong under PRS since PRS inherited all the old PBDS’ seats in both state and parliament?
“Those who have remained partyless after the de-registration of PBDS should join PRS and strengthen the party. Join our struggles together to fight for a better future for Sarawakians, particularly Dayaks.”
On ‘PBDS Baru’, which was registered late last year, was only disguising under the name of PBDS and do not have the same heart and calibre of the ‘old PBDS’. He also advised PRS divisions in seats not represented by the party to mobilise their strength in order to earn respect from BN components.
Acknowledging that Bidayuh areas are not represented by PRS, he announced financial assistance to PRS divisions in Bidayuh areas for them to carry our activities and strengthen the party’s presence.
Meanwhile, the dinner’s organising chairman Edward Kurik said the event was historic because three PRS divisions in Bidayuh areas had organised the dinner for the party.
Edward, who is also PRS executive secretary and deputy treasurer-general, said the dinner was aimed at solidifying unity between party members and their ‘bigger brothers’ (other BN components) in Bengoh, Tarat and Tebedu.
“Some people may say the dinner’s theme ‘Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita roboh’ (United we stand, divided we fall) as old-school (outdated), but to us this old saying is still relevant today.
“Without unity, we will not be able to move forward. Whether you are from PBB, SUPP, SPDP or PRS, let us work together so that BN remains strong for many more years to come.”
Among those present at the dinner were PRS vice-presidents Datuk Mong Dagang and Majang Renggi, Wanita chief Datuk Doris Sophia Brodie, secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Nissom, supreme council members Wilson Nyabong and Edwin Banta, and representatives from other BN components.