KUCHING, Aug 12 — Sarawak PKR has warned newly formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia today against setting foot in Sarawak where there are no Umno branches, and to focus on Peninsular Malaysia.
The chapter’s vice- chairman See Chee How said there is no point for the party to come to Sarawak since its main objective is to challenge Umno and its president Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
"It is not because it is not saleable in Sarawak, but just look at those who are members of the party, they are all former Umno members who are out to challenge Umno and Najib," See told reporters.
"So basically, their main aim is trying to make the prime minister lose power, nothing else," the Batu Lintang state lawmaker asserted.
He claimed Parti Pribumi's strength lies in the Peninsular, predicting it could win "10 or 20 seats" in the next general elections, especially in Kedah and Johor where it would be well-received.
"We cannot underestimate its strength in these two states," he said, mentioning that the top leaders of the party come from Kedah and Johor.
He also suggested that party stay away from Sabah where the response to its formation has allegedly been lukewarm.
"Even former Umno vice-president Datuk Shafie Apdal, although he is a good friend of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is not talking about joining the party so we can see it cannot go far in Sabah and Sarawak," he said, referring to Parti Pribumi’s president.
Muhyiddin, former deputy prime minister and Umno deputy president, submitted Parti Pribumi's application for registration with the Registrar of Societies two days ago.
It will open door for membership to all Bumiputeras, including the natives of Sarawak and Sabah while non-Bumiputeras can be associate members with no voting rights.
