KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak secretary Vernon Kedit yesterday refuted a grassroots leader’s claim that 18 out of the 31 branch leaders in the state wanted Baru Bian to step down as their state chief.
“Eleven (branch leaders) only, we have 19,” he told The Borneo Post, short of confirming that PKR Sarawak was split into two factions.
Sixteen of the 19 branch chairmen attended a press conference held by Baru in Kuala Lumpur. Three others are said to be overseas.
Vernon was responding to the claim made by PKR Selangau chief Joshua Jabeng who on Tuesday night said 18 branch leaders had pledged to remove Baru as PKR Sarawak chairman and that more grassroots leaders had expressed support for them.
Joshua, however, did not identify the 18.
Vernon had earlier insisted he had proof that Joshua’s numbers were wrong, saying: “Figures and photos do not lie.”
He also explained that there are only 30 PKR branches in Sarawak and not 31 as claimed by Joshua, as the Tanjung Manis branch was still not registered.
Following Baru’s press conference yesterday, Vernon released a list of the PKR branch leaders backing Baru as state chief, as well as the names of those opposing.
Those supporting Baru are Boniface Willie Tumek (Mas Gading), Cyril Langin (Serian), Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo), Simon Siah (Bandar Kuching), Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How (Stampin), Baharuddin Mokhsen (Petra Jaya), Abang Zulkifli Engkeh (Batang Lupar), Yen Jebeni (Sri Aman), Nicholas Bawin (Lubok Antu), Vernon Kedit (Betong), Saratok MP Ali Biju (Saratok), George Chen (Kanowit), Abdul Raafidin Majidi (Sibu), Abun Sui Anyit (Huju Rajang), Jemree Sabli (Kota Samarahan), Roland Engan (Baram), Kelvin Kilo (Bintulu), Hung Soon Kieng (Lanang).
The 11 branch leaders against Baru are Julau MP Larry Sng (Julau), Dato Sng Chee Hua (Sarikei), Sng Chee Eng (Kapit), Miri MP Dr Michael Teo (Miri), Dr Lau Liak Koi (Limbang), Joshua Jabeng (Selangau), Morshidi Mahtali (Igan), Ahmad Nazib (Santubong), Piee Ling (Batang Sadong), Abdul Jalil Bujang (Mukah) and Mohdar Ismail (Sibuti).