PSB dissolution will allow Sarawak to progress, says state minister

KUCHING: The dissolution of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) and en bloc acceptance of its members into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) will enable Sarawak to progress further, says a state minister.

Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said no country could advance if it is politically turbulent.

"We already have strong support with more than two-thirds majority in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, yet even with our strong position the small handful of opposition members were willing to dissolve their party and give their support to the state government.

"We should accept them with open arms. This will help the Premier (Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the state government to move forward better because there will be fewer opposing voices in the state assembly and on the ground," he said on Monday (April 8).

Last Saturday (April 6), former PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh and other party members were officially welcomed into PDP at a dinner in Sibu.

Previously an opposition party, PSB received approval from the Registrar of Societies to dissolve on March 19.

It had signed a memorandum of understanding to work together with PDP, a component party of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition, in July last year.

Abdul Karim also said PSB's move was a manifestation of support for Abang Johari's leadership.

"If his leadership is not good, why would a former opposition party dissolve and join a government party? So this is a good thing," he said.