KUCHING, Aug 8 — Newly-accepted Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) member, Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin has justified his entry into the party by saying he had never gone against Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), but rather its predecessor Barisan Nasional (BN).
Speaking to reporters after the closing ceremony of ‘Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia’ programme here yesterday, the parliamentarian expressed his gratitude to Sarawak Premier and PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as well the party leadership, for accepting his membership application.
“Basically, Gabungan Parti Sarawak is very new and for the record, I did fight against Barisan National in the past (election), but I never fought GPS.
“This is something that we must understand,” he remarked.
He also said his PBB membership had the backing of his supporters and the constituents of Puncak Borneo, and decisions were only made after consulting the local community leaders.
“Actually, I did ask my supporters for opinions (on his PBB membership) and as you can see, during the fall of Pakatan Harapan-led government in 2020, I even went to the extent of posting on Facebook to seek their opinions and (for them) to contact me personally.
“Likewise, I did the same before I submitted my application to join PBB. I hope they would support me. I believe in collective decision and I have sought their opinions.
“So, this is not my opinion alone but a part of my constituents’ wishes. I’m just fulfilling their wishes like what we had discussed.” When asked by reporters whether the president of his former party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, was aware of the decision, Willie said he had informed the party in advance and believed that ‘it should not be an issue’.
“Well, we spoke to them (Bersatu) and I think that should not be an issue. We already pre-empt them before.” Moreover, Willie said he would leave it to the wisdom of Abang Johari and the PBB leadership on whether he would be defending his Puncak Borneo seat in the 15th general election (GE15).
“We leave it to the wisdom of the Premier. We just have to work hard to serve the people and if the people believe that we can actually continue (to serve), then it is up to the party leadership and the Premier’s wisdom to decide,” said Willie.
At a press conference held after chairing a PBB supreme council meeting on Saturday, Abang Johari said Willie’s application to join the party had been accepted, with no conditions attached. — Borneo Post Online
