PBB Meluan warns those lobbying to replace Salang to back off
SIBU: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB) Meluan Division has thrown its support behind incumbent Julau MP Datuk Joseph Salang to defend his seat in the coming general election.
Its chairman Paulus Datuk Sri Banyang said the current intense lobbying to replace Salang as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate would not be successful.
“Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing wants him ( Salang) to be renominated in Julau. I also think that all local BN component parties are very comfortable with Salang’s leadership.
“More importantly, the majority of the people in Julau are all for him to continue leading and serving them,” Paulus said at a meet-the-people session at Rh Timban in Julau recently.
He added the four-term Julau MP has shown his dedication and sincerity in serving the constituency.
“If by any chance those people are successful in their lobbying (for a different person to contest in Julau for BN) and the very top BN leaders agree, then there is something very wrong with the system.
“We in PBB will not sit still if this were to happen,” he asserted.
According to Paulus further, Salang had in fact wanted to retire, but Masing managed to convince him to stay on.
“He (Salang) agreed (to stay on) as he feels he has no health issues and is still fit to soldier on.”
He further stated that PBB, as the backbone party of the state BN, will mobilise all its members in Meluan and Pakan to help Salang not just win, but win with a big majority.
“Julau voters still have high hopes that Salang can climb up the ladder in the central BN administration.
“He is, after all, PRS secretary- general, and the opportunities are there for him to advance further,” Paulus explained.
Meanwhile, PRS Pakan Youth wing leader Timothy Julius said the big turnout during Salang’s functions in both Meluan and Pakan is an indication that Salang still enjoys the support of the majority.
“Those in attendance were not only from PRS, but PBB and PDP as well. Since he has been renominated by PRS to defend the seat, we will go all- out to ensure he can win with even bigger majority.”