(From left) Joshua, Piee, Abang Zulkifli and other divisional chiefs in a group photo with Saifuddin (fourth left) and Irwan (fifth right) during the meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak is still intact despite the resignation of its chairman Baru Bian, says its Batang Sadong division chief Piee Ling.
He urged PKR members in Sarawak to remain calm as party matters in the state are now handled by the Central Leadership Council (MPP) which will soon appoint the new party chairman in Sarawak.
In a statement issued yesterday, he claimed all the appointments in PKR Sarawak state leadership council (MPN) are now void following Baru’s resignation.
“This matter had been discussed between a group of divisional chiefs still loyal to the party and Secretary General Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution at a meeting yesterday afternoon (Thursday) in Kuala Lumpur.
“The MPP (Central Leadership Council) will appoint the new PKR Sarawak chairman soon. We hope PKR members will stand firm with the party and put their full trust in the MPP to manage this situation,” he said.
Piee also said the other divisional chiefs at the meeting were Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh (Batang Lupar), Abdul Jalil Bujang (Mukah), Joshua Jabeng (Selangau), Ahmad Nazib Johari (Santubong) and Mohdar Ismail (Sibuti).
Also present was party deputy secretary general Datuk Seri Irwan Mohamad, who is a Sarawakian.
Baru, who is the Selangau MP, Saratok MP Ali Biju and Puncak Borneo MP Willie Mongin, were among the 11MPs who left PKR on Monday to form an independent bloc in the Parliament.
Willie was also PKR Sarawak vice chairman prior to his resignation while Ali was the MPN appointed vice president.
It had been reported yesterday that the trio, together with Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, are looking for a new political vehicle.
On a related matter, Piee said it is business as usual for the party divisions in Sarawak as the appointments of divisional leaders were not affected by Baru’s resignation since they were elected during party elections.
He also claimed many PKR members are still with the party including those in divisions that were headed by Baru (Lawas), Ali (Saratok) and Willie (Puncak Borneo).
“It is normal to see leaders come and go in any political party.
“PKR Sarawak will continue moving forward with our partners in Pakatan Harapan to face the next state election which will be held anytime soon,” he said.