Since day one, PBB has made it a point to ensure that the number of elected representatives the party has is just below the simple majority level.

Its permanent chairman Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said as the lynchpin of the state BN, PBB had always been fair to its coalition partners.

Approached by The Borneo Post during the ‘A Night of Unity–BN’ here on Friday to comment on the issue of Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) and United People’s Party (UPP) members applying to join PBB, he opined that PBB was attractive to many people because the party was solid in terms of policies and strength.

As to whether the party would accept the membership applications, he said, “That is for the Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem) to decide whether to take all.” Asked whether taking in more elected representatives would strain ties in the coalition, Mohamad Asfia replied, “I hope not.”

In the May 7 state polls, PBB fielded 40 candidates for places in the 82-seat State Legislative Assembly. All its candidates won, but 42 seats are needed for a simple majority win. After the polls, nine direct BN candidates who won have applied to join PBB.

The party’s Supreme Council is scheduled to meet this coming June 5, and it may decide on these applications during the meeting.

Meanwhile, on Minister of Local Government Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian’s proposal for a single BN party for Sarawak to enhance unity among BN elected representatives, Mohamad Asfia, who is also DUN Speaker, said the concept had not been formally formalised.

On the June 7-15 DUN sitting, Mohamad Asfia said the sitting arrangement would be according to ministerial positions and seniority. The partyless assemblymen would be seated among BN members.

The swearing-in of elected members would be held on June 7, while the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud would address the august House the following day.

Asked if he expected any Bills to be passed, Mohamad Asfia said a formal meeting would be called soon to discuss the matter.

Also present at the function, which was organised by Sarawak Jasa, were Assistant Minister for Science Research and Biotechnology Dr Annuar Rapaee, Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong, state Jasa director Hassan Busu, and political secretaries to the Chief Minister, Abu Seman Jahwie and Faridah Osman.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by Peter Boon

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