PRS not perturbed by mass resignation — Gira
SIBU: Parti Rakyat Sarawak ( PRS) Tamin division is unfazed by the resignation of more than 400 members Saturday, saying its strength is hardly affected by their departure.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira, the division’s acting chairman, said their resignation was no surprise as they had not supported the party for many years.
“In fact, many of them are merely bystanders. Therefore, their resignation does not affect the strength of PRS Tamin division,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He viewed their resignation as a blessing in disguise as the party is now rid of its deadwood and enemies from within.
“It is good that they left (the party) as we (PRS Tamin Division) are doing housekeeping on those who are not loyal to party or else they sabotage the good intention and hard work that we in PRS Tamin put in.”
Asked if the division would come up with more stringent vetting in accepting new members, Gira said, “Everyone is welcome to join PRS, provided that we are willing to work together for the party and to benefit the rakyat ( people).”
PRS Tamin division deputy chairman Augustine Amin who was one of those who left the party explained that their decision to leave the party was prompted by the loss of confidence in the party’s leadership.
Augustine claimed that they were disappointed and lost confidence in the party leadership under Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing whom he alleged was self- centered.
Augustine claimed that PRS Tamin division had unanimously called for Masing’s resignation as the party’s president and to be accountable for the defeat of BN candidates represented by PRS during the 14th General Election (14GE).
In the May 9 election PRS contested in six seats under the BN banner and lost Julau, Selangau and Lubok Antu but retained Sri Aman, Hulu Rajang
In fact, many of them are merely bystanders. Therefore, their resignation does not affect the strength of PRS Tamin division. It is good that they left (the party) as we (PRS Tamin Division) are doing housekeeping on those who are not loyal to party or else they sabotage the good intention and hard work that we in PRS Tamin put in. Christopher Gira, Tamin assemblyman
and Kanowit.
It was recently reported that over 300 PRS Kakus division members had also quit the party, but, Assistant Minister of Native Laws and Customs Datuk John Sikie Tayai, who is PRS Kakus division chairman, had denied this.
According to Sikie, only a few of them were actually PRS Kakus division members, while some of those who claimed they resigned from the party were not PRS members at all.