Baru Bian says he's staying on as Sarawak PKR chief

KUCHING: Incumbent Sarawak PKR chairman Baru Bian (pic) says he will not quit the party amid speculation over the appointment of a new state party chief.

"I still believe that PKR is the channel we would like to represent us in the new government at this point in time.

"I joined PKR many years back because I believe it is a matter of policy to fight for justice for all races in Malaysia. I still believe this is the best option for now," he told a crowd of supporters upon arriving at Kuching International Airport from Miri on Saturday (Nov 24).

Holding up banners and dressed in traditional attire, the crowd had gathered to show their support for Baru to continue as the state PKR chairman following talk that he might be replaced by Julau MP and Julau PKR division chief Larry Sng.

Baru called on party members in Sarawak to remain united as there were "some elements" trying to divide the party, without naming them.

Asked to elaborate, he said certain people were trying to "divert" from what the party had done all along, including in the appointment of the state chairman.

He said the PKR constitution provided that Sabah and Sarawak had autonomy to decide on their respective chairmen, who would be appointed by the party president in consultation with the divisional chiefs.

"It is not correct to say that this is the prerogative of the president, but it is according to the provision where you must consult all the division chairmen of Sarawak.

"That is very clear and has been done before, so we will not depart from that," he said.

As such, Baru said he welcomed PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's statement on Friday (Nov 23) that the appointment of the Sarawak PKR chairman would be made as usual in accordance with the party constitution.

"I'm happy that the issue has been clarified. Whatever it is that pertains to party matters, including elections and choice of state chairman, all must be in accordance with the constitution," he said.