PBK open to working with local opposition for Sarawak election, but ‘definitely no’ to DAP

Voon Lee Shan

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 5: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) is open to working with other local-based opposition parties in the 13th Sarawak Election (PRN13), but firmly ruling out any cooperation with Democratic Action Party (DAP).

PBK president Voon Lee Shan said the party is open to collaborating with parties that are aligned with its principles, describing this as the party’s stance going into the election.

“In fact, we have explored collaboration several times over the past few years, but so far it remains very loose, with no positive decisions among the leaders.

“For now, we just leave it open,” he said during a press conference today.

However, Voon drew a firm line against working with DAP or Pakatan Harapan (PH), stressing that PBK will only work with local-based parties.

“DAP? Definitely no. No Pakatan Harapan (PH). We are fighting for Sarawak only.

“We have our own vision and mission which are in quest of independence. We are fighting for Sarawak rights and independence by peaceful and legal means,” he added.

Sarawak’s opposition field is now limited, with ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) continues to dominate most rural and semi-urban constituencies, while DAP’s influence is largely confined to urban areas.

PBK had previously collaborated with Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) ahead of the 15th General Election to avoid splitting the opposition vote, with PBK contesting several seats under the PSB banner. However, the partnership was tactical rather than ideological. PSB later dissolved, and many of its members joined the ruling coalition through the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).

With PSB gone, PBK is among the few remaining local parties keeping the opposition voice alive. Other smaller parties, such as Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM), Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) and Parti Aspirasi Rakyat Sarawak (Aspirasi), continue to be active and vocal, raising issues and making their presence felt in the political discourse, even though they have yet to secure a seat. — DayakDaily