Baru Bian’s fate in Sarawak PKR chief to be decided tomorrow

(Borneo Post) – Works Minister Baru Bian’s position as the Sarawak Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) chief will be discussed during the Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting, which is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Speaking to reporters after officiating PKR Sarawak Convention at Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel here today, PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he is willing to discuss the matter during the meeting.

“Tomorrow MPP (Central Leadership Council) meeting, we discuss. I can discuss with all, no problem,” he said.

Earlier in his speech at the convention, Anwar said he has no problem with Baru as the state chief as long as he has the support of the majority.

Anwar pointed out that even though he – being a party president – has the power to appoint state chiefs, he respects the decision of the majority.

“There are people saying that Anwar is appointing his people as state chiefs. For me, each one of you are my people. That is why in Sabah, Christina (Datuk Christina Liew) (who) got the highest vote was picked at Sabah PKR chief.

“In Pulau Pinang at the time, Nurul Izzah got the highest vote, she was picked as the state chief. In Perak, Farhash (Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak) got the highest vote, he became Perak state chief,” Anwar said.

Similarly, Baru, who received the highest vote has been picked as state chief, he added.

“This is (referring to himself) a democratic president, respect the people’s voice,” he said.

Baru has been facing backlash from a few branch chiefs who wanted him removed from his post as state PKR chief.

Out of 30 divisional chiefs, 11 divisional chiefs who do not support Baru’s leadership are Larry Sng (Julau), Sng Chee Hua (Sarikei), Sng Chee Eng (Kapit), Dr Michael Teo (Miri), Dr Lau Liak Koi (Limbang, Joshua Jabeng (Selangau), Morshidi Mahtali (Igan), Piee Ling (Batang Sadong), Abdul Jalil Bujang (Mukah) and Mohdar Ismail (Sibuti).

The remaining 19 divisional chiefs who support Baru’s leadership are Boniface Willie Tumek (Mas Gading), Willie Mongin (Puncak Borneo), See Chee How (Stampin), Cyril Langin (Serian), Simon Siah (Bandar Kuching), Baharuddin Mokhsen (Petrajaya), Abang Zulkifli Abang Engkeh (Batang Lupar), Yen Jebeni (Lubok Antu), Vernon Kedit (Betong), George Chen (Kanowit), Abdul Raafidin Majidi (Sibu), Hung Soon Kieng (Lanang), Kelvin Kilo (Bintulu), Jemree Sabli (Kota Samarahan), Roland Engan (Baram) and Baru himself.