KUCHING: Opar assemblyman Datuk Ranum Mina could follow in the footsteps of Datuk Dr Jerip Susil in quitting Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) in the name of Bidayuh unity.
Political analyst Datuk Peter Minos said he would not want to speculate on the rumour but added there were signs to the grapevine.
“I say maybe but no way to confirm the rumour and so let us wait and see. But I am pretty sure he (Ranum) does think of Bidayuh political unity in determining his actions,” he said.
Minos said it must have been a tough time for Dr Jerip in deciding to leave PSB where he was its deputy president.
“I think he could not accept the thought of being out of the GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) state cabinet and be in the opposition as it is rumoured that PSB might be kicked out of the state cabinet.”
Minos said the Bidayuh are keen to know what is Dr Jerip’s next move? He said whether Dr Jerip joins Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) or returns to Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) on whose ticket he won the Mambong (then called Bengoh) constituency in the last state election, would determine who gets the seat come the next state election due in 2021.
“Maybe he just wants to be GPS-friendly till the next state election, hoping of course to retain his post as assistant minister.”
Whether GPS and the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg accept this, only time will tell as the Chief Minister is not rushing to reshuffle his cabinet as yet.
