Gaining momentum

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Wong (fourth right), flanked by Lo on his right and Dr Jerip, hands over the PSB flag to the representative of one the party’s branches in Sri Aman Division.

ENGKILILI: Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) looks set to strengthen its support base in Sri Aman division, with an estimated 6,000 new members from Batang Ai, Balai Ringin, Simanggang, Engkilili and Bukit Begunan expected to sign up.

This was revealed by PSB president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who said the surge in new members would aid PSB’s cause in delivering a better Sarawak for Sarawakians.

“PSB welcomes all Sarawakians who have the same mindset of wanting to bring about comprehensive development to the state, apart from believing in the spirit of unity, to join the party,” he told a 5,000-strong crowd during a party roadshow programme at the Dr Johnichal Rayong Ngipa Hall at Skrang Scheme, here yesterday.

He pointed out that as a multi-racial party, PSB will fight for all the races in Sarawak while, at the same time, make sure that no race is left out.

Rayong (left) and Dr Jerip (third left) help Wong put on the traditional Iban vest as (from right) Banyi and Lo look on.

“As a party born from the multi-racial aspirations, PSB offers leadership that is meaningful, constructive and responsible for the needs of the Sarawakians. We are committed to helping develop Sarawak into an advanced and developed state in all fields,” added Wong.

Wong, who is Second Finance Minister, also called on all party members to step up and support the Sarawak government led by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

“PSB pledges its allegiance to Abang Johari, particularly in championing Sarawak’s rights and interests,” he said, adding the party will look to provide input to the government in an effort to improve basic facilities for the happiness and well-being of the people.

Meanwhile, during the event, PSB youth chief Dr Johnichal Rayong, who is Engkilili assemblyman, professed his optimism about the future of the party, saying the large turnout for the roadshow was an indication of the support by local folk.

Wong (front row, seventh right) together with (front, from second right) Banyi, Nyallau, Ranum, Entulu, Rayong, Dr Jerip, Masir, Lo, Entri and others gather for the event.

“We hope this support would be reflected in the ballot box in all areas contested by PSB (in the next state election),” he said.

Rayong also hoped that all members would do their best and work hard to help the party grow and defend the rights of Sarawak and Sarawakians.

Others who spoke during the event were PSB deputy president Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Sri Aman MP Datuk Masir Kujat, and former MPs Datuk Joseph Entulu and Datuk William Nyallau.

Those present included Opar assemblyman Datuk Ranum Mina, PSB secretary-general George Lo, executive secretary Margaret Fong, former Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entri, former Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) president Banyi Beriak, former PRS Women advisor Susan Clement, and political secretary to the chief minister Suzanne Lee.

Wong (fourth, left) receives application forms to join PSB during the event yesterday. With him are (from left) Rayong, Nyallau, Ranum, Dr Jerip, Masir, Banyi, Entri, Lee and Susan.