PUTRAJAYA, Feb 24 – There has to be a by-election for the Sarawak state assembly seat of Batang Ai following the death of long-serving assemblyman Datuk Dublin Unting today.
Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said the Sarawak state assembly was only over two years old and, according to the state constitution, the assembly’s term ends in July 2011.
“Which means there are more than two years to go. So a by-election is necessary,” he told Bernama here.
Abdul Aziz said this when asked to comment about the death of Dublin, 53 (** some media reported that he was 56), the vice-president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) at the Normah Medical Centre in Kuching at 1.25am today due to a stroke suffered in May last year that left him in a coma. Ingkot suffered a stroke following a radio interview.He leaves behind widow Datin Froline Moriah Dimies Impoi and three children.
He was also state minister for sports and agriculture as well as the assistant minister for Agriculture (Research and Coordination), retained the seat after beating challenger Nicholas Bawin from the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) in the May, 2006 state election.
In KUCHING, state legislative assembly speaker Abang Othman Abang Fata said the EC would be formally notified of the vacancy of the Batang Ai state seat by today.
“We are awaiting the death certificate from the National Registration Department so that we can inform the EC,” he told Bernama here today.
The Sarawak state election was last held on May 20 2006 and the Sarawak BN won 62 seats of the 71 seats contested while nine seats fell to the opposition, six to the DAP and two to Parti Keadilan Rakyat. One seat was won by an independent candidate.
Sarawak BN comprises Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP). – Bernama
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In anticipation of September 16, a date when Anwar Ibrahim hope that his Pakatan Rakyat can overthrow Barisan Nasional, various quarters have been making statement either to show to Anwar that they too are willing to switch alliance or just to remind Abdullah Badawi that BN still need their support.
And that is exactly what James Jemut Masing did.
James Masing had asked that Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) be given greater representation in the various government-linked companies (GLCs) and the post of chairman in at least one of the GLCs.
James is either putting pressure on the top BN leaders or giving a hint to PR leaders that they are currently frustrated and need some change.
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From theBorneoPost
PRS wants just reward
Masing says party has done a lot for BN and should be given positions in GLCs
KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) feels that its contribution to the Barisan Nasional is immense and that it should be rewarded accordingly.
In a press conference held to announce the party’s and its six MPs’ loyalty to BN, PRS president Dato Sri Dr James Masing had asked that the party be given greater representation in the various government-linked companies (GLCs) and the post of chairman in at least one of the GLCs.
“The supreme council of PRS has asked me to pursue this matter wherever it is possible or wherever there are vacancies for PRS to be represented in GLCs not only in Sarawak but the whole of Malaysia.
“We will like to request for chairmanship in both state and federal GLCs, if there are one or two vacancies, to be allocated our party,” he said after the party’s supreme council meeting at its Jalan Pending headquarters yesterday.
Masing, who is also the Land Development Minister, said the party had not been allocated the chairmanship of any GLCs, unlike the other BN component parties, ever since it was admitted to the BN in 2005.
“That’s why the party’s supreme council feels uneasy because the party is not recognised in that sense. To me, this is very small request by us for what we had done. Our contribution is very big to BN,” he said.
On another matter, Masing said the three-hour meeting also had a lengthy discussion on the current political scenario especially regarding rumours of Pakatan Rakyat forming the new federal government on September 16.
Among the related issues discussed, according to Masing, were the speculations surrounding a few of the party’s MPs who were rumoured to have met opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to crossover to PR.
Responding to the speculations, Masing said all the six MPs would stick with BN and that the party was also solidly behind the coalition.
“I can assure to you that PRS MPs will remain loyal to BN and (Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. We pledge we stood on BN ticket and we will stick with BN.
“Some MPs did disappear for few days, but this has nothing to do with the crossover to Pakatan Rakyat. They were visiting their constituencies,” he said.
One of those associated with the rumours, Hulu Rajang MP and PRS vice president Datuk Billy Abit Joo, was present at the meeting and press conference.
“YB Billy’s name was quite prominent when he was disappearing, and so people were enquiring about him. And so did I.
“But he was somewhere in Ulu Belaga (few days ago), and he just came back. That was why he could not be reached, and it has nothing to do with him being induced by Pakatan Rakyat or anything like that,” he said.
On the other MPs, he said Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat and Lubok Antu MP William Nyalau were present at the meeting but did not stay for the press conference afterwards due to commitments in their respective areas.
Selangau MP and Deputy Minister of Regional and Rural Development Joseph Entulu Belaun, who is also PRS deputy president, attended both the meeting and press conference.
“Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang is away on official duty (as Deputy Minister of Energy, Water and Telecommunications), while Kanowit MP Aaron Dagang has gone to Kuala Lumpur. I don’t think this was to see Anwar. That I can assure you,” Masing said.
He also believed that it would be impossible for PR, under the country’s present parliamentary procedure, to form the next government on Sept 16.
“This is a parliamentary country, and there are parliamentary rules. There are no parliament sessions during this present Ramadan month, and the next parliament session will be after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
“Looking at the parliament procedures, can he (Anwar) be the new PM on Sept 16 even if he claims to have a list of 40 BN MPs crossing over. That’s why I think we should not fall into this trap,” he said. He added that the opposition’s repeated claims to form the next government could be likened to “a high stake poker game without a joker card”.
“Pak Lah will still be the Prime Minister after September 17,” he said.
Masing said he had also during the supreme council meeting reminded party leaders to be racially sensitive when making statements or speeches.
“When making remarks in a multi-racial country like Malaysia, we must always be racially sensitive in our remarks. Do not make any remarks that are likely to hurt others,” he said, clearly referring to the controversies surrounding statements made by Umno Bukit Bendera division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail during the campaigning period for the recent Permatang Pauh by-election.
He also spoke on the BN Backbenchers Club (BBC) “educational” retreat overseas for MPs, which he felt was not planned at the right time.
“Under the current situation, it will be better if the MPs spend more time on the ground to talk to the people in their constituencies and face up to the claims made by Anwar and the opposition. But I will not stop any of the MPs if they choose to go for the retreat,” he said.
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James Jemut Masing, the president of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) yesterday advised Larry Sng and his followers to avoid mocking the decision made by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Masing at yesterday’s press conference said there could only be one president in a political organisation and advised Sng’s followers to therefore respect the decision of ROS.
Related posts:
* Larry Sng will be partyless soon
* Larry Sng continue to confuse PRS grassroots
----------------
From theBorneoPost
Sng told to respect ROS decision
By Samuel Aubery
KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing yesterday advised Larry Sng and his followers to avoid mocking the decision made by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
“My advice to Larry Sng is to respect the decision of ROS, and I hope that he would advise his followers to do likewise and avoid making mockery of that decision,” said Masing at a press conference after the party’s supreme council meeting at its Jalan Pending headquarters here.
ROS Datuk Md Alias Kalil, in a letter issued on April 1, decided not to deregister PRS after he agreed with reasons or excuses put forward by Masing on the sacking of six PRS principal office bearers on May 25, 2006.
The letter was in response to the reply made by Masing to a showcause letter on Sept 7, 2006. Alias also confirmed that Masing is the president of PRS.
This, however, did not go down well with the Sng’s followers who until today still insist that Sng, the Pelagus assemblyman, is the legitimate president.
Masing at yesterday’s press conference said there could only be one president in a political organisation and advised Sng’s followers to therefore respect the decision of ROS.
It was also pointed out to Masing that reports on Internet blogs spoke of “homecoming” of divisions aligned to Sng, which apparently did not happen as none of those in the Sng camp attended yesterday’s meeting.
Masing, when asked by a reporter to comment on this, said the party had not received any application from members of Sng’s group to rejoin the party.
“As far as we are concerned, they (those aligned to him who were sacked during the party’s triennial general assembly in Sibu in Dec 2, 2006) remain sacked,” he said.
“In any political organisation, there must only be one president, cannot be two or three. The decision has been made by ROS and my advice to Larry Sng is to respect that decision and to tell his followers, whoever they are now, to do likewise,” he said.
Masing however was non-committal in his answers regarding Sng’s position in the party. He kept telling reporters to pose that question to Sng instead.
On another development, Masing also announced that PRS had formed a committee headed by lawyer Wendall Crocker to look at land matters which the party expected to be a major issue in the coming state election.
“PRS takes it upon itself that land issue will be one of the biggest issues that we will have to face come next election in Sarawak. Therefore, we have formed a very high powered committee to look at various land issues and identify the related weaknesses,” he said.
He pointed out that PRS was of the belief that land rights and land issues were synonymous with eradication of poverty.
“You settle the land rights and land issues, then our move to eradicate poverty in the rural areas will be on the right path.
“Our boys are looking into that, we have appointed committee members headed by lawyer Wendall Crocker. Hopefully, we have a preliminary submission by this December,” he said.
He added that the committee would also be looking at the legislative aspects of the land issues to find out “if there is any legislation that needs to be added in or reviewed” after which PRS would make its recommendation.
“PRS takes land matters seriously because this is about individual rights to property,” stressed Masing.
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Soon after Larry Sng gave his statement that he vows to lead PRS, the other faction of PRS reminded him that he is treading on soft ground and is asked to stop giving the wrong signal to PRS grassroots.
Larry did admit that if the ROS's decision stands, then he will urge members to support James Masing and Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership.
As for himself, since is the other faction leader that is not recognized by ROS, he will be partyless, almost.
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Extracted from TheBorneoPost
PRS leadership crisis far from over
By Churchill Edward
Sng asked to disassociate himself with ‘sacked’ officials and stop giving ‘wrong signal’
KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has asked one of its members, Larry Sng, to stay clear of those whom the party has “sacked”.
Sng, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department, has been told to do so otherwise he would be sending a wrong signal — that the party is still divided by factions and that he is still the “president”.
PRS secretary-general Wilfred Nissom said it would not be good for Sng to be associated with those already “sacked” including Sidi Munan and Munan Laja.
Nissom said what was already clear was that the Registrar of Societies (RoS) had approved Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing as the president.
Masing is also Land Development Minister.
“The so-called Sng’s faction is a non-entity following RoS’ recognition (or approval) of Dato Sri Masing’s sacking of Sidi Munan and Munan Laja with several others on May 25 2006,” Nissom told The Borneo Post yesterday.
“Sidi Munan, Munan Laja together with a number of others, have already been sacked from PRS and this is recognised by RoS. It is therefore not good for Larry Sng to be associated with them,” he reiterated.
Nissom said he was making this very clear because he was unhappy with a recent development in Sibu where Sng appeared to have sent the wrong signal to members when he addressed himself as a faction leader.
Nissom said if Sng continued to address himself as a faction president he could spark another round of quarrel among members.
Yesterday The Borneo Post reported Sng as saying that: “As for me, my mission and vision as a faction leader is to bring all factions in the party together, forge greater unity and create greater stability. I will continue to be in PRS, to be in BN.”
He was quoted when closing a Ngiling Bidai ceremony jointly organised by five PRS divisions namely Nangka, Pelawan, Bukit Assek, Bawang Assan and Katibas on Friday night in Sibu.
Among the 500 people present at the Sibu event were Sidi Munan whom the group (Sibu event) addressed as “secretary-general”, Munan Laja (organising chairman), Jimmy Donald “deputy president” and his son Leon Jimat, “Youth chief”. When contacted yesterday, Sng said PRS leaders should not misconstrue the Sibu event or even feel threatened by it.
Asked whether he recognised Masing as president, Sng responded: “As far as my supporters are concerned, they still recognise me as a leader and want me to work with other PRS leaders.
“I hope the Sibu event is not misconstrued. And I don’t want the others to feel threatened by it. After all we are working in BN.”
Sng said the BN should worry more if PRS supporters started joining PKR or other opposition and that was not in his, Masing’s or BN’s best interest.
“What I want to say is that, there is no denying that PRS has 19 divisions which are aligned to me. At the moment, they want me to lead.
“Their members are also registered members of the party and they are also looking up to me as a leader and want me to continue leading them.
“I would like to see PRS united because at the end of day we (BN) are going to face a stronger opposition in the coming election. At the moment we would not want any of our supporters being marginalised or being neglected.
“In Sibu we reaffirm our group of supporters that we remain intact. I’ve sent a strong message to them that we are supporting the government,” he said, adding that Masing did not try hard enough to unite all party members.
Sng said: “Although RoS has issued a vague letter in support of Dr Masing, there has not been any initiative on his part to reunite the party, which in the opinion of my supporters, is like marginalising them from the BN as a whole.”
“So this has resulted in a power vacuum which the opposition can capitalise on. This is what I am totally against.
Since April or May 2008, things seemed to be so quiet for PRS until Friday.
The RoS had apparently issued four letters to PRS, including one addressed to “deputy president” Datuk Sng Chee Hua, Sng’s father, on April 1, 2008.
The original letter containing the decision of the Registrar, Datuk Alias Md Kalil, not to deregister PRS was sent to the PRS “secretary” at the party’s registered headquarters at Green Heights Commercial Centre.
Three others were ‘cc’ to Sng, the “president” Dato Sri Dr James Masing and “treasurer” Clement Eddy. Only the “secretary” was not named.
There were actually two pages with the Registrar’s decision on the first page, while the second page contained the people the letter was copied too.
Masing then claimed that senior Sng was no more party deputy president even though the letter was addressed to him as such.
He said that senior Sng’s position in the letter was just an administrative matter.
“You must remember the showcause letter was addressed to him too when he was the deputy president and so when the reply came back, it must go to who the letter was sent to. These are administrative matters, it is not political.
“To think that it is still the same, you must be dreaming,” he told reporters after a private meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, along with four of his supreme council members.
The April 1 letter contained Alias’ decision on a showcause letter his predecessor had sent PRS on Sept 7, 2006, following the sacking of six principal office bearers by Masing in May that year.
Those sacked included junior Sng, who was then the deputy secretary general. Senior Sng and several others had complaint to the RoS and this led to the issuance of the showcause letter.
Alias decided on April 1 that he was satisfied with the reply given by Masing on Sept 15, 2007 as to why he had sacked the office bearers and, therefore, PRS would not be deregistered.
The registrar had also told The Borneo Post later on that Masing was PRS president.
Then Alias said Masing was still the PRS president and explained that the April 1 letter, which contained his decision not to deregister PRS, was written in response to the reply given by Masing in his capacity as PRS president on Sept 15, 2006.
“That’s how it is. Dato Sri Dr James Masing is still the president. I think my explanation in the letter is already clear enough and I do not want to add anything more,” he said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur.
When the PRS crisis first erupted, the battle was between Masing and senior Sng. Eventually senior Sng stepped aside after his group held a delegates’ conference in which his son was elected as president.
Masing too held his own delegates conference and subsequently, there were two presidents in PRS with separate supreme councils. Masing’s deputy president is Joseph Entulu.
PRS was born out of the demise of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak on Oct 21, 2004, following a leadership crisis.
Until today Masing has not decided to expel Sng from the party, saying he wanted to check the feeling on the ground about the matter.
In April, Sng said he would only recognise Masing as the president if this is indeed the decision of RoS Alias.
He said he would abide by the registrar’s decision even if that meant that he was expelled from the party by Masing and his supreme council after he did not reply to a showcause letter from them earlier last year.
“If the RoS’ decision stands, then I will urge members to support Dato Sri James Masing. I hope they will also maintain their support for the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership.
“If such chain of events stands, I am now partyless,” Sng said then.malaysia ~ If you like this informative post, please subscribe to my full RSS Feed
The saga of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) leadership dispute continue. Despite the ongoing effort of Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and the other faction of PRS lead by James Masing to merge the two party, Larry Sng vows to continue leading PRS (or the other half of PRS). This is definitely confusing the already confused grassroot members of PRS.
Merger talks between SPDP and PRS (Masing's faction) literally left Larry Sng on the sideline and his time on PRS numbered. Suppose the two parties really merged, there will likely be no place for Larry Sng in the new entity and that would probably be the end of Larry Sng political career, unless of course if he jump ship before that and continue his political struggle with non-Sarawak party or maybe an opposition party.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Extracted from TheBorneoPost
Sng vows to continue leading PRS
By Gaing Kunding
SIBU: The leader of a faction in Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Larry Sng Wei Shien reiterated his commitment to lead the party with greater zest and vigor to help Barisan Nasional achieve a bigger win in the next state election.
He said that PRS, as a member of the ruling BN coalition, needed to work harder and smarter for the developments of Sarawak, particularly in helping Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to meet the vision, mission and objectives of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE).
“As for me, my mission and vision as a faction leader is to bring all factions in the party together, forge greater unity and create greater stability. I will continue to be in PRS, to be in BN.
“To me, the March 8 polls is a milestone for the opposition, but the next state election which is due in two to three years’ time will be a milestone for the BN,” Sng said at the Gawai closing (ngiling bidai) jointly organised by five PRS divisions in the central region - Nangka, Pelawan, Bukit Assek, Bawang Assan and Katibas – last Friday.
Members from six ‘outstation’ divisions - Lingga, Simanggang, Meluan, Balai Ringin, Pelagus and Ngemah, former Sri Aman MP who is also deputy president Jimmy Donald, vice-president Cr Munan Laja (organising chairman), secretary-general Sidi Munan and Youth chief Leon Jimat Donald were among the 500-odd people present.
Sng said: “PRS leaders and members also need to reflect on their roles and purposes in BN, taking into consideration the results of the last general election, as well as the implication of the letter given by ROS recently. Where do we go next?” He however did not specifically mention which ROS letter he was referring to.
In his welcoming speech, Munan expressed gladness at the big attendance, saying: “This reflects the strong unity and support for Larry Sng, an Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Department, from PRS members throughout the state.”
Jimmy, who also spoke, said that he would continue his political struggle and serve the people through PRS and BN even though he was no longer an MP.
Sidi meanwhile reminded party members to abide by the party constitution at all times.malaysia ~ If you like this informative post, please subscribe to my full RSS Feed
News on the merger status of SPDP and PRS has emerged as still in negotiation stage. “As far as I know, there has been no concrete action yet. I hope nobody would get offended if I describe the process at this point as ‘only lightning and thunder, but no rain’,” said William Mawan, the president of SPDP.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Extract: BorneoPost
Merger for greater leverage, says Mawan
PAKAN: The main intention of merging Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) is to prevent them from being pitted against each other by irresponsible quarters in future.
This was pointed out by SPDP president Dato Sri William Mawan when he replied to a question from the floor during a dialogue session at Rumah Abi Gayan, a 16-door Iban longhouse by Amut Tengah River in Pakan yesterday.
After requesting anonymity, the questioner asked Mawan about the progress of the proposed SPDP-PRS merger which he said was widely reported in the media and had caught the attention of many longhouse people.
Mawan said the committees from both parties were still engaged in negotiations.
The SPDP committee was headed by deputy president Datuk Peter Nyarok while PRS’ was headed by Datuk Dublin Unting.
They were supposed to report to their respective party presidents.
“As far as I know, there has been no concrete action yet. I hope nobody would get offended if I describe the process at this point as ‘only lightning and thunder, but no rain’,” said Mawan.
On the possibility of being pitted against each other, he said if it happened it would be aimed at destabilising the BN at both state and federal levels.
“Mathematically, SPDP and PRS are politically weak although we are part of the ruling BN government,” he said.
Singly, he said, the parties have a small number of MPs and assemblymen, which is “weak representation and leverage” and, therefore, puts them in a ‘risky position’ as the more dominant quarters can exploit them easily.
“If we merge and have a united voice, our increased strength due to greater representation and political leverage would shield us from unscrupulous elements,” he said.
Currently SPDP has four members of parliament (MPs) - Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Jacob Dunggau Sagan, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Industry Jelaing Mersat, BN Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and Datuk Dr Tiki Lafe.
The party has eight assemblymen — Mawan himself, Assistant Minister of Cooperative Development Datuk Peter Nyarok, Assistant Minister of Public Utility (Water Supply) Sylvester Entri, Peter Nansian, Rosey Yunus, Wong Judat, Nelson Balang and Paulus Palu Gumbang.
PRS has six MPs - Deputy Minister of Water, Energy and Communications Datuk Joseph Salang Gandum; Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Joseph Entulu; Datuk Billy Abit Joo; Aaron Dagang; Masir Kujat; and William Nyallau.
The party’s eight assemblymen are Land Development Minister Dato Sri Dr James Masing, Assistant Minister of Youth Datuk Dublin Unting, Assistant Minister of Industrial Development and Planning Larry Sng, Joseph Mauh, John Sikie, Liwan Lagang, Mong Dagang and Snowdan Lawan.
If a merged entity comes into being, it would have at least 14 MPs and 16 assemblymen, thus becoming the second biggest BN component party in Sarawak after Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headed by Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
It was reported recently that Taib suggested the new entity could then merge with PBB in future for a stronger BN.
Another BN partner is Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP).
Among those present at the dialogue yesterday were a political secretary to the chief minister Paul Igai, Acting Pakan District Officer Inting Nyami, Special Affairs Department (Jasa) coordinator for Julau Sylvester Embuas, Penghulu Dundang Jalin, host Tuai Rumah Abi Gayan and nine other longhouse chiefs from Sungai Amut-Sungai Genega area.malaysia
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Here's an update on the merging process between SPDP and PRS, two party components of Barisan Nasional Sarawak . The two parties have shortlisted three names to be considered for the new party. The proposed new names are listed below:
1). Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak (Beras),
2). Demokratik Rakyat Sarawak (Deras) or
3). Bersatu Progresif Rakyat Sarawak (BPRS)
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Source: theborneopost.com/?p=37118 Three names shortlisted for merger By Raynore Mering Seven names suggested for proposed new party formed by SPDP-PRS merger KUCHING: The Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) took a major step towards their merger last night, when they announced three shortlisted names for their new party. Bersatu Rakyat Sarawak (Beras), Demokratik Rakyat Sarawak (Deras) or Bersatu Progresif Rakyat Sarawak (BPRS) are the three names now being considered from a list of seven proposed names. The names were announced at a press conference after a brief meeting between the merger committees of the two parties at Toh Yuen Restaurant in the Hilton Kuching at about 10.30pm. SPDP secretary general Sylvester Entrie Muran said they hoped to get feedback from the grounds on which of the three names were most suitable for their merged party. He pointed out that the two committees have agreed that their parties should merge. “After several meetings between the merger committees, we both agreed on the merger in the best interest of our parties,” he said. SPDP’s merger committee is headed by the party’s deputy president Datuk Peter Nyarok and his members are Entrie and senior vice president. The chairman of the PRS merger committee is Datuk Billy Abit, who is a PRS vice president, and his members are vice president John Sikie Tayai and secretary general Wilfred Nissom. Abit pointed out that he was “standing-in” as chairman of the committee for Datuk Dublin Unting, who is recuperating at the Normah Medical Specialist Centre following a stroke. Asked what the urgency was in announcing the three names, Nansian replied that Dublin had actually wanted the names to be made known before he was hospitalised. “He (Dublin) had actually called me at about 10.30am on that day (May 22, 2008, when Dublin was hospitalised) and said that we should announce the names,” he said, adding that they had held the announcement back until PRS decided that Abit should stand in for Dublin. The committee said the announcement had nothing to do with political developments in Sabah yesterday. The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) intends to support a motion of no confidence against the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Monday. He added that there was no time table set for the eventual merger, and that the two committees would meet again to decide on the name of the new party as well as other relevant matters such as the leadership of the party.
Dato Sri Dr James Masing, the PRS president claimed that now is the right time and mood for PRS and SPDP to merge. He however stressed that grassroots members from both parties need to understand for the need to merge and support the merger.
Once PRS and SPDP merged into a single entity, the new party will be the largest Dayak based party in Sarawak Barisan Nasional party components. It will have large voices and supporters. The new party can also lead the Dayak into a stronger unity.
But first, leaders from both parties, need to sit down and formulate when to merge, how to merge and the million dollar question is who will lead the new party. Relinquish one power is very hard to do. That will happen to James Masing and William Mawan. For the merger to be successful, either James Masing or William Mawan give way to one another (which can lead to faction and is very unlikely) or both of them step down and let another figure become the president of the new party. Only then, the new party will be stronger.
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Source: theborneopost.com/?p=36148 (May 29, 2008)
Masing: PRS, SPDP in right mood for merger
By Ting Tieng Hee
It is crucial for leaders of both parties to work together towards objective
KUCHING: Members of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) and Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) are all in the ‘right mood’ for a merger, says PRS president Dato Sri Dr James Masing.
He said while it was important for the leaders of both parties to work together towards the merger, it was even more important to get approval of the members on the ground.
“There has been a very fruitful meeting last week between the two (merger) committees, and there is a common understanding among us.
“The question of course is ‘when’, and the mechanism of doing it, but the spirit is there for the need to be together. That’s important,” he told reporters after launching a road safety campaign at the Waterfront here yesterday.
The campaign was held in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak Celebrations to promote greater road safety awareness among road users during the festive season.
Masing, also Minister of Land Development, said approval must be obtained from the supreme councils and general assemblies of both parties for the merger to be realised.
“Dato Sri William Mawan and myself cannot do it alone. It doesn’t work that way. If you merge with just talks, it would be like a marriage that ends up in divorce after a few months,” he said.
He said the two leaders would meet when they had decided to do so, and both sides needed to understand why the need to merge.
“The grassroots must agree to merge. They must understand why we need to get together. Sometimes, they do not understand why we need to be together,” he said.
When asked if he thought there was really a need for the two parties to merge, he replied: “There is a need for rural areas (constituencies) to get together. Rural constituencies mean Dayak constituencies. Otherwise, it is very difficult for us to work out certain issues if we are not together, and if we don’t talk the same language.
“The mood is there for us to get together. This is especially very important now,” he added.
To a question, Masing agreed that the merger was a move towards Dayak unity.
“It is a move in the correct direction. Somebody has to start, isn’t it.”
When asked who would lead the PRS committee for the merger talks since deputy president Datuk Dublin Unting is ill, Masing said: “If we need to meet soon then I have to find somebody else to lead the committee.”
He said Dublin was now in a better shape.
“I haven’t seen him as I have just arrived here.
“From what I gather, he is better now than a few days ago. I hope he will get well soon but in this type of situation, it will take time to recover.”
The presidency issue of Parti Rakyat Sarawak continue. We all thought the Larry Sng's days are numbered when James Masing was declared as the legitimate president of PRS by ROS in early April 2008. We also all thought that James Masing nightmare is over and he is in no hurry to determine the fate of Larry Sng's position in PRS.
In between those time, Jimmy Donald being other deputy president in Larry Sng's faction has been contesting the legitimacy of James Masing as the President of PRS.
Being an unsatisfied lots, Larry Sng's group is requesting an appointment with Registrar of Societies in Putra Jaya to solve the issue once and for all. Should ROS maintained their decision to recognize James Masing as the president of PRS, Larry Sng's group might defect to another party, likely Sarawak National Party or Pakatan Rakyat component parties.
By that time, Larry Sng's faction would be on the opposition team. As for Sarawak Barisan Nasional, the impact would be lost of grassroots supporters. In terms of federal Cabinet position, there is no representative from the Larry Sng's faction. As for the state Cabinet, only Larry Sng himself is the representative in the DUN.
Related posts:
* PRS leadership disputes - Larry Sng not giving up yet
* Crab mentality of Parti Rakyat Sarawak leadership
* PRS remains with two camps
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Source: theborneopost.com/?p=35742 (May 21, 2008)
Is it Larry or Masing?
By Samuel Aubrey
PRS faction seeks appointment with ROS
KUCHING: The leaders and members of the faction aligned to Larry Sng in Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) will only make their next political move once they have received an answer from Registrar of Societies (ROS) on the legitimacy of Sng as party president.
The group met yesterday at the party’s headquarters at Green Height here where they decided to ask for an appointment with ROS in Putrajaya to find out whether the president is Larry or rival Dato Sri Dr James Masing.
One of Larry’s strongest allies, Jimmy Donald, told reporters here yesterday that this decision, one way or the other, would end the confusion over who is president and allow the faction’s members to move on and chart their political future.
“We herewith reiterate our support for YB Larry as president unless ROS rules otherwise,” he said, reading a prepared press statement.
Jimmy, who is the faction’s deputy president, was joined by the faction’s secretary-general Sidi Munan during the press conference.
According to Sidi, the meeting yesterday was attended by leaders from the 19 out of 28 party divisions that recognised Larry as president.
Asked by reporters on their possible political move if the ROS’ decision is not in their favour, Sidi said: “We will cross the bridge when we come to it. We will continue to be in politics. We can’t let our grassroots members down.”
In the statement released to reporters during the press conference, it was mentioned that the faction had yet to receive any written reply from ROS to its letter sent on April 7.
“On April 8 this year, we wrote to ROS requesting that he produced in writing his decision: Dr James or Larry as president of PRS. We reminded him to do so on April 30, 2008. No answer in writing from ROS has been received as of today,” it said.
The ROS, in an April 1 letter signed by its present bearer Datuk Md Alias Kalil, had decided not to deregister PRS after studying the reasons or excuses put forward by Masing’s side on the sacking of six PRS principal office bearers.
Most of the Iban longhouse chiefs (Tuai Rumah) in Pelagus, Kapit has voiced their support for Larry Sng the other leader of Parti Rakyat Sarawak.
No doubt Larry Sng has done a good job in Pelagus, but his father (senior Sng) is one of those PRS members that started the crisis within PRS.
The Sng family basically made their fortune from trading in Pelagus and is well-known among the community there. Sng family members are also very fluent in Iban dialect and culture. Not to mention that the Sng family also pour in money to the longhouse folk.
That's make Sng, an Ibanised Chinese that have the support from the Iban.
Related posts:
* Larry Sng time is numbered
* Grassroots confusions within Parti Rakyat Sarawak
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Extracted from: theborneopost.com/?p=34193 (Apr 18, 2008)
Longhouse chiefs stay loyal with Sng
By James Ling
Thirty chiefs swear to sink or swim, respect his political decision
KAPIT: Regardless of the opinions of others, 30 Pelagus longhouse chiefs (Tuai Rumah) and as many of their assistants consider Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Economic Planning) Larry Sng, and no other, as their leader.
These chiefs from Sungai Yong, Sungai Menuan, Sungai Melipis, Sungai Ibau, Sungai Metah, Nanga Merit, Balawong, Sungai Kapit and Sungai Belawai which are tributaries of Rajang River made their stand known to the media after their dinner here last Wednesday.
In their statement, they pledged ‘to sink or swim’ with him and to respect his decision concerning his political direction.
The chiefs observed that over the past two or three weeks, many people had expressed their opinions on Sng’s position in Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
While some thought that Sng should be sacked from PRS, others were in favour of him and called for a fresh triennial delegates’ conference where new party leaders could be elected.
The group claimed that many PRS divisions such as Dudong, Marudi and Ba Kelalan who have made unfavourable statements about Sng are not registered with the Registrar of Societies.
The chiefs, therefore, questioned their rights to express their opinions, and likened it to fishing for cheap publicity.
“These people are from outside Pelagus and they don’t understand us and our situation. They should not interfere in our affairs because we know what is good for us and who can help us,” they explained.
They reasoned that Sng deserved their support because he is a good assemblyman, hardworking, willing to listen to his people, and worked closely with Kapit member of Parliament Alexander Nanta Linggi to bring more development to Pelagus.
“As long as we are alive we will support Sng,” said Tuai Rumah Gelimai of Sungai Metah as his fellow chiefs nodded their agreement.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak leadership crisis is nearing the end and so is Larry Sng's time. James Masing after being declared as the legitimate president of PRS by ROS is gaining support from their party member and is in no hurry to decide on the fate of Larry Sng whether Larry should be retain in the party or expelled.
Larry Sng faction, meanwhile is still contesting whether the ROS letter is legal to state that Masing is still the president.
The only way for Larry Sng to continue his political career in PRS is for Taib Mahmud to promote him to a full ministership in the coming Sarawak state cabinet reshuffling exercise. And should Larry Sng be relinquished of his assistant ministership, Masing would definitely kill him off. Otherwise, PRS members will consider Larry and his supreme council members as an excess baggage in the party.
Related posts:
* PRS leadership disputes - Larry Sng not giving up yet
* Grassroots confusions within Parti Rakyat Sarawak
Extracted from: theborneopost.com/?p=33953 (Apr 13, 2008
Masing in no hurry to decide on Sng
By James Ling
KAPIT: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) president Dato Sri Dr James Masing said Friday night that he would not make any hasty decision on the status of Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Larry Sng’s re-admission into PRS.
“I cannot make a decision now. I still have to wait for a while. Let the dust settle down first and let the people think rationally rather than with emotion.
“It is better to make the decision when everything has settled down,” said Masing, who is Land Development Minister when asked to comment on Sng’s status in PRS.
He had earlier attended a gathering hosted by the police in connection with the recent 201st Police Day celebration at the multi-purpose hall here.
The PRS president said he had plenty of time (to make the decision).
“What is important is that ROS has made a decision and we have to respect that decision. What I’m going to do now is to bring the party to move forward and do what a political party should do,” he said.
Masing had earlier, after being declared the legitimate president of PRS, decided to seek the opinion of the grassroots on whether or not to re-admit Sng into the party after he and nine others had been expelled from the party.
To date, Masing has received the support of 25 of the 28 branches/divisions state-wide which had rejected the re-admission of Sng into the party.
On Friday afternoon, PRS Baleh, PRS Pelagus (aligned to Masing) and PRS Katibas branches/divisions joined 22 other PRS divisions to adopt a motion opposing Sng’s admission into the party.
At a joint meeting of the three branches/divisions (PRS Baleh, Pelagus and Katibas) at its headquarters along Jalan Penghulu Nyanggau here on Friday, Hulu Rejang member of parliament Billy Abit Joo said PRS Belaga branch/division was expected to convene a meeting tentatively on Apr 21 for a similar purpose.
There seems to be some confusions within Parti Rakyat Sarawak grassroots. Initial report indicates that PRS have 28 registered divisions.
Now, the Masing faction indicates that there are 23 divisions supporting Masing (i.e agreed to expelled Larry from the party). Meanwhile, the faction aligned to Larry Sng mentioned that 19 divisions are supporting Larry. So is it 28 divisions or 42 divisions.
The support of Larry also have new meaning. Some of the divisions supporting Larry, agreed that Masing is the president of PRS and Larry should not be fired from the party. On the other hand. the other group of divisions supporting Larry, insist that Larry is the legitimate president of PRS.
This PRS leadership crisis is turning into a comedy saga. PRS leaders and their supreme council(S) are confused with the number of their divisions. And so are their supporters and observers (like your truly).
Related posts:
* PRS leadership disputes - Larry Sng not giving up yet
* Masing keeping Larry Sng for the money
Extracted from: theborneopost.com/?p=33849
More PRS divisions want Larry expelled (Apr 11, 2008)
KUCHING: Three other Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) divisions, namely Dudong in Sibu, Bukit Sari and Ba Kelalan in Lawas have declared their rejection of Larry Sng.
Through a press statement yesterday, Dudong divisional chairman Petrus Ngelai and secretary Dr Johnny Kieh said they fully supported party president Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
“This division agrees that there is no need for PRS to take back Larry (Sng) and members of his faction because the party can work effectively without them,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Bukit Sari and BaKelalan divisions wanted Larry out of the party in a joint press statement signed by their respective chairmen Junaidi Kamit and William Sapak Agung.
PRS has only 28 divisions but on Thursday conflicting statements began to emerge from the grassroots, pointing to the simmering rivalry between Masing and Larry.
As 23 divisions said they wanted Larry expelled while 19 divisions claiming to be duly registered divisions of the party said Larry is still party president.
Grassroots decision is being solicited following the party’s May 5 supreme council meeting which agreed to sack Larry and nine others, including his father Datuk Sng Chee Hua, from the party.
But Masing put the expulsion on hold, saying the grassroots must first be consulted.
However, it now appears that PRS will have to contain with not just 28 but at least 42 party divisions!
After the Registrar of Societies has given the letter to both camps to announce that Parti Rakyat Sarawak will not be deregistered, the press to ROS Alias Md Kalil to inquire on the president seat (Alias Md Kalil verbally stated the Masing is still the president of PRS).
Alias confirmed that Masing is still the president and after that, Larry Sng conceded defeat. Being a gentleman, Masing opt for majority votes where the grassroots of PRS will determined whether Larry Sng should be booted out from the party.
The supreme council members of Larry Sng camp meanwhile are kicked out of the party without second thought by Masing and his supporters.
Larry Sng when conceding the defeat, has requested his faction member to recognize and support Masing. A dream come true for Masing. He has survived the party factional crisis, reinstated at the party president and regain support from this "arch enemy".
~!@%#) ... dream breaker. Suddenly, the faction behind Larry Sng take to the task to dispute the
pronouncements made by the Registrar of Societies, Datuk Alias Md Kalil, through the press that Masing was the PRS president. The big honcho in that faction are Jimmy Donald and Larry Sng's father (Sng Senior).
Now, it look like Masing and Larry Sng are relief that PRS is still around and Larry Sng has given up the presidency. But not when Jimmy Donald and Sng Senior is around. It seems that Jimmy Donald and Sng Senior will not give up hope for Larry to the president of PRS. It seems that Larry Sng is subject to puppetry move controlled by Jimmy Donald and Sng Senior.
Personally, I think Larry Sng is a nice fellow. And yang tamak haloba dan kuasa is not Masing or Larry, but Jimmy Donald and Sng Senior.
References and related articles
PRS still divided over leadership (Apr 10, 2008)
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: Nineteen out of the 28 registered divisions of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) aligned to Larry Sng Wei Shien do not recognise Datuk Dr James Masing as party president.
Leaders of these divisions have unanimously agreed in a meeting here to continue supporting Larry as the party chief even though he has announced he accepts Dr Masing as party president.
They claimed that the supreme council headed by Larry is the valid one.
Larry did not attend the meeting at PRS registered headquarters at Green Height Commercial Centre but his father Datuk Sng Chee Hua, also advisor to the group, was present.
Former Sri Aman MP Jimmy Donald, Larry's righthand man, said the group had written to the Registrar of Societies (ROS) to ask for a list of the rightful party supreme council members to clear the confusion.
Dr Masing has said that the recent reply by Registrar Datuk Md Alias Kalil that the ROS would not deregister PRS confirmed him as the party chief and that his supreme council was valid.
Dr Masing's supreme council had at its meeting last Saturday upheld an earlier decision to expel nine leaders aligned to Larry. They include Chee Hua, Donald, party's secretary-general Sidi Munan, deputy information chief Ernest Chua.
Dr Masing is seeking feedback from the party's grassroots on whether to remove or retain Larry, also state Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department, in the party.
Several divisions aligned to Dr Masing have since made a stand that they wanted Larry out of the party.
Donald demanded an apology from Dr Masing's supporters over what he claimed as defamatory remarks they have made against Larry’s camp.
''We treat them (Dr Masing's supporters) as party colleagues and our friends despite our political differences,'' he said.
Larry still president of PRS: Faction aligned to Sng (Apr 10, 2008)
By Raynore Mering
KUCHING: The Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) crisis is still not over as the faction led by Larry Sng yesterday claimed that theirs is still the legitimate supreme council and Sng still the president.
To add to that, 19 divisions, said to be legally registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) and aligned to Sng, had unanimously agreed not to recognise Dato Sri Dr James Masing as PRS president.
Heads of the 19 divisions met with members of Sng’s supreme council yesterday at the party’s registered headquarters at Green Heights Commercial Centre.
Larry could not attend the meeting but his father, Datuk Sng Chee Hua, was present.
The faction’s deputy president, Jimmy Donald, told a press conference after the meeting: “As far as we are concerned, our supreme council is still the legal one.”
He said they were not convinced by pronouncements made by the Registrar of Societies, Datuk Alias Md Kalil, through the press that Masing was the PRS president.
Therefore, he said they would be writing to Alias to ask for the legal list of PRS supreme council members.
He said their letter would be couriered to Alias after the press conference.
At the same time, Jimmy said the 19 divisions, which represent 23,768 members, would be writing to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on the same matter.
He added that the 19 divisions hoped that Masing would not manufacture overlapping and illegal divisions.
“We have read lately that there seems to be divisions coming up all over the place because the legal headquarters is here. The legal and recognised secretary general Sidi Munan is here,” said Jimmy.
He also asked leaders in Masing’s camp to apologise for making some allegedly “libelous” comments about them in the press.
He said he was saddened by their comments because they considered Masing’s people their friends and colleagues despite their political differences.
“They used words like ‘virus’ and ‘unhealthy bacteria’. We hope and we want them to apologise to us. If not we will be taking legal action against them. We should be friends so it is with much regret that we resort to this but we do not like extreme words to be used,” Jimmy said.
Alias had confirmed that Masing is still the president in a front-page report in The Borneo Post on April 4.
He made the confirmation after issuing a letter on April 1 on his decision not to deregister PRS.
Alias had explained that his decision was based on a reply to a showcause letter given by Masing in the latter’s capacity as PRS president on Sept 15, 2006.
“That’s how it is. Dato Sri Dr James Masing is still the president. I think my explanation in the letter is already clear enough and I do not want to add anything more,” he said when contacted in Kuala Lumpur.
Alias said in the letter that he was satisfied with the reply given by Masing on why he had sacked six principal office bearers in May 2006, which led to the showcause letter being issued.
Following Alias’ decision and confirmation, Masing had said that there was now no more dispute as to who was the president of PRS and which supreme council was legitimate.
His supreme council had upheld the expulsion of nine PRS members – Datuk Sng Chee Hua, Sidi Munan, Jimmy Donald, Munan Laja, Ernest Chua, George Lagong, Ong Lark Sai, Audie Chua and Josephine Randan Mawat - last Saturday.
However, Masing said they had decided to hold back Larry’s expulsion until the grassroots had given their opinion on whether Larry should be retained as a member.
Larry is the Pelagus assemblyman and an assistant minister.
All of PRS’ elected representatives, except Larry, are now members of Masing’s supreme council.
Despite questions about Masing’s position, the Barisan Nasional has accorded Masing recognition as a president of a component party.
The PRS crisis erupted soon after the May 2006 state polls.
Larry and Masing and their supreme councils were elected at separate triennial delegates conferences.
Tamin, Kakus divisions also want Sng out (Apr 09, 2008)
SELANGAU: More and more Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) divisions now want the former president of its other faction, Larry Sng Wei Shien, expelled from the party.
Yesterday, the Tamin and Kakus divisions held their extraordinary meetings (EGMs) to join in the chorus of expulsion.
Earlier, nine other divisions namely Senadin, Pujut and Lambir in Miri, Tebedu in Kuching, Limbang, Pakan, Meluan and Meradong in Sarikei, and Ngemah had also held their EGMs to come up with similar resolutions.
The move came about after the Registrar of Societies (ROS) recognised Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing who is the Land Development Minister and Balleh assemblyman, as its legal president last week.
The ROS too, decided not to de-register the state’s youngest BN component member, following a two-year leadership struggle between Sng who is Pelagus assemblyman and an assistant minister in the Chief Minister’s Department and Masing and their respective supreme council members.
According to Dali Merawin, the chairman of the Tamin division, both his and the Kakus divisions were unanimous in their resolutions for Sng to be shown the door.
The Kakus branch was represented by its deputy chairman James Watt and the party vice-president Joseph Mauh Ikeh who is Tamin assemblyman and its Youth wing secretary general Alexander Kadir Dato were among those present.
Dali said they were confident Masing would helm PRS and take Dayak political unity to new and greater heights, now that he had no major obstacle standing in his way.
PRS, an off-shoot of the now-defunct Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS), was de-registered for similar leadership crisis, was formed on Oct 21, 2004, the same day the party was deregistered.
It has 28 divisions statewide and so far, only the Pelagus division has stood firm behind Sng. — Bernama
PRS Senadin, Ngemah, Pujut and Lambir divisions say no to Sng (Apr 07, 2008)
By Samuel Aubrey
KUCHING: The Senadin, Ngemah, Pujut and Lambir divisions of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) yesterday unanimously agreed not to accept Pelagus assemblyman Larry Sng as a member of the party.
The four divisions became the first group to declare their stand on Sng following instructions from the PRS supreme council on Saturday to let the grassroots members decide on the future of Sng in the party.
Sng’s expulsion from the party had actually been unanimously decided during Saturday’s supreme council meeting, but party president Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said it was being put on hold until after he received the decision from the grassroots.
PRS deputy information chief Richard Wil Uban, speaking on behalf of the four divisions, said the chairmen, deputy chairmen and other office-bearers of all these four divisions had met at the PRS Service Centre in Pujut, Miri yesterday afternoon.
Apart from Wil who is also the PRS Senadin chairman, the other chairmen present at the packed meeting were PRS Lambir chairman Pandang Semat, PRS Pujut chairman Bangga Tinggom and PRS Ngemah chairman Peter Talajan.
“Having received instructions from party headquarters to decide on Larry Sng’s status, we the following divisions – Senadin, Ngemah, Pujut and Lambir – have considered and unanimously agreed not to accept him as member of PRS,” he said when contacted. Wil issued a press statement on behalf of PRS Senadin, which was faxed to The Borneo Post yesterday evening.
Apart from reiterating that the division has resolved not to accept Sng as a PRS member, he said PRS Senadin members were relieved that the party’s leadership crisis had been resolved after the Registrar of Societies Datuk Md Alias Khalil decided against de-registering PRS.
The ROS in an April 1 letter noted that he had decided not to proceed with the action to de-register PRS after he accepted the explanation given by Masing, and a day later ROS confirmed that Masing was still the president.
“The Senadin division congratulates the president Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing on the settlement of the factional dispute in the party, and on the recent success in the just concluded parliamentary election,” read the statement.
Wil thanked the state BN leadership for their patience in bearing with PRS throughout this ordeal.
Meanwhile Talajan, on behalf of PRS Ngemah, said Masing and his supreme council members must be congratulated for their tireless effort in fighting for PRS not to be deregistered.
He said the Ngemah division was thankful to ROS for not only replying to Masing, but clarifying on Masing’s position as president of the party.
He added that the Sng camp failed to translate the ROS letter which was also sent to the party’s registered headquarters at Green Heights Commercial Centre which was being occupied by them.
“A prudent and diligent decision by ROS cancelled all doubts and queries pertaining to the PRS inhouse mess created by ambitious individuals through materialistic manipulation.
“Now there will be no more doubts on the legality of PRS and Dato Sri Dr James Jemut Masing as the legitimate party president,” noted the statement.
Talajan hoped the bitter months of crisis in the party would be taken as a lesson to remind party members, and as a future guideline so members and leaders would be cautious and careful in making judgements or decisions.
He said the Ngemah division committee members and supporters strongly oppose any acceptance of Larry Sng as a PRS member.
On another note, the PRS Ngemah division thanked Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud for regarding PRS as a viable party even though it had been riddled with longterm internal crisis.
“PRS is now alive and a strong BN component partner. We have proved that in the just concluded election, we delivered all the six parliament seats to BN with two seats won uncontested – Selangau and Kanowit,” he said.
In the coming days, more statements are expected from PRS divisions as the grassroots leaders from all 29 divisions will want to have their say on the position of Sng, as well as express their relief and appreciation that the party is spared de-registration.
The ongoing crisis of leadership for Parti Rakyat Sarawak (a component party of Barisan Nasional) is creating a scene at Sarawak politic. So while the Prime Minister is sleepless at Putra Jaya worrying about the gloomy political scene at Semanjung, it won't be long that he will be having nightmare when more problem (now from Sarawak) started to pile up.
Back to PRS, Datuk Dr James Masing has reiterated that he is THE president of the party. Larry Sng on the other hand still claimed that he is the new president of PRS. Both gentlemen have refused to give up their presidency claim.
While the letter from ROS only confirmed that PRS will not be registered, the crisis of presidency of the PRS remained unsolved.
The current crisis of PRS is just to the liking to Taib Mahmud who like to divide and conquer. When no REAL president of PRS to speak of, PRS will remain useless, go for nothing except to make up the quota.
Without any firmed authority, no camps from PRS is able to make any decision or plan for the future. Both opposing camps, have separate planning and decision making process. So how can PRS be effective to the rakyat and to their members.
Both Masing and Sng are in a deadlock. None of them is willing to surrender. The best possible outcome and resolution to this crisis is to have one of them "killed". Taib Mahmud will not give the order. The best man for the job to solve the PRS crisis would be Badawi.
The PRS mess is partly caused by Larry Sng father and Larry should be scarified and let Masing be the de facto leader of PRS. If it sound unfair, then both camps should have a combined election to vote for the new president.
Thus, if neither Masing or Larry will to die for the party, it's best that both of them agreed to have a party election and elect for the new leaders. If party election is not forthcoming, it will just prove that both Masing and Larry have the crab mentality. A crab mentality a person running sideway from the real problem instead of assaulting the problem directly and solve it once and for all.
Updated posts:
* May 21, 2008: No end in sight for Larry Sng and James Masing
* Apr 04, 2008: Parti Rakyat Sarawak throwing out excess baggages ?
Extracted from: thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/3/nation/20080403141440&sec=nation (Apr 03, 2008)
I was not wrong to sack the six, says Dr Masing
By JACK WONG
KUCHING: Datuk Dr James Masing said the Registrar of Societies’ (ROS) decision not to deregister Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) has shown that it was not wrong for him to sack six of the party’s key office bearers 18 months ago.
“My sacking of the six is legal, otherwise the ROS would have deregistered the party,” he said on Thursday.
The six included party secretary-general Sidi Munan, deputy secretary-general Larry Sng Wei Shien and deputy information chief Ernest Chua.
The sacking plunged the Dayak-based party into a leadership crisis. While Dr Masing was retained as party president by his supporters last year, Sng’s faction also separately elected him as the other party president.
Both Dr Masing and Sng have their own supreme councils and run party affairs in separate PRS headquarters.
Dr Masing said the ROS’ latest decision was made based on his explanation to its show-cause letter issued on Sept 15, 2006 on why the party should not be deregistered after he had sacked the six.
Sidi, Sng and Chua have filed complaints with the ROS, claiming that they were wrongly dismissed as Dr Masing had breached party constitutions by not giving them a chance to defend themselves.
Dr Masing said the ROS’ letter, of which he also received a copy (similar to the one received by Sidi on Wednesday), had now cleared any confusion on the party leadership.
“I am the legitimate party president and my supreme council is the only one which is valid. The problem is now settled once and for all,” he claimed.
He said as Sidi’s dismissal was legal, whatever decisions made by the latter after that, including convening a separate party’s triennial delegates’ conference (which elected Sng as president), was null and void.
Dr Masing said he had consulted the state Barisan Nasional leadership on the ROS’ latest decision, and that the matter would be discussed at a supreme council meeting which he would chair on Saturday.
