KUCHING: Any matters pertaining to the proposed Sarawak Baru must be discussed and agreed to by the president of the coalition parties, said Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru (PBDSB) Youth chief Rapelson Richard Hamit.
“We (PBDS Baru) are a bit shocked with STAR president Lina Soo’s statement last night about registering Sarawak Baru within this year,” said Rapelson, adding that PBDSB has yet to make any plan until the meeting among the president of component parties comprising PBDSB, STAR and Sarawak Workers Party (SWP).
He noted that Sarawak Baru was founded by the late president of PBDSB Cobbold John who was its protem chairman while the protem vice chairmen are Lina Soo (STAR president) and Munan Laja (SWP president).
According to Rapelson, the late Cobbold also named PBDS Baru secretary-general Julius Enchana as Sarawak Baru’s protem secretary-general and STAR treasurer Chieng Lee Ping as the coalition’s protem treasurer-general.
“With the setting up of the presidential council and special working committees, the late Cobbold said he hoped Sarawak Baru would be flexible and at the same time make the component parties to be more focused towards its vision and objectives,” added Rapelson.
“He was confident that Sarawak Baru will pose a strong challenge to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), Pakatan Harapan Sarawak and/or Barisan Nasional in the next state election.
“Since day one, PBDS was formed by a group of Dayaks to articulate the Dayak cause, it was Dayak based party and we hold the view so that the people know that Dayaks exist.
“It is hoped that the presidential council will work together to achieve a common goal as per earlier agreement,” he added.
However, he said PBDS Baru welcomes the idea to register Sarawak Baru coalition with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Asked on new parties joining Sarawak Baru, Rapelson said, “we welcome them to join our quest and fight for a better Sarawak”.
