UPP’s move to be independent party lauded

KUCHING: Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak ( Teras) has lauded the move by United People’s Party ( UPP) to become an independent party in Sarawak.

Teras secretary- general Banyi Beriak suggested that it might be a good idea for Teras and UPP to revisit the idea of merging under an alliance that includes State Reform Party ( STAR) and Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak Baru ( PBDSB) as all of these local-based parties have not been invited yet to join Gabungan Parti Sarawak ( GPS). Teras and UPP assemblymen were at one time united in Teras in 2015.

At one time, Teras had 10 state and two parliamentary seats.

“We were once together after we made the announcement on May 15, 2015 when 11 elected representatives joined Teras. At that particular time, one of them – the then Teras president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom – held a state and MP post. And I think it is now apt and timely Teras and UPP revisit the idea of convergence of minds,” said Banyi.

On another matter, Banyi said Teras grassroots members want their former president Mawan – the Pakan assemblyman – to rejoin the party. Mawan is now in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu ( PBB).

“If we are not invited by GPS to join its fold, then we have to consider other options including forming perhaps a new umbrella party called ‘ Sarawak Baru’. I hope UPP, STAR and PBDSB are receptive to the idea,” he said.

Banyi said he had been a very busy man to ensure that all the 25 divisions of the party submit their annual returns.

“This is to also to make sure that our political party formed in 2013 will be ready to take part in the upcoming Sarawak state election which is due in September 2021,” he said.

Formed by members of the then Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party ( SPDP), Teras has never contested using its flag and logo.

UPP has said it is going for a rebranding process and that the MoU it signed with Sarawak United People’s Party before the last parliamentary polls lapsed automatically when Sarawak government pulled out of Barisan Nasional. The party, however, did not indicate how the MoU would affect both parties and the new GPS coalition.