Over 3,800 attend PSB Baram branch launch
MIRI: A crowd of more than 3,800 people flocked to 21-door Rumah Joshua Bungkong at Sungai Mallang, Bakong here yesterday for the launch of Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) Baram branch.
The party also received more than 2,000 new applications from residents of 78 longhouses, during a two-week recruitment drive in Bakong.
“I am impressed by the huge turnout and support shown by the people of Baram to the party
“We welcome everyone to join us. We want to work with all like-minded people, to maintain harmony, peace and stability,” said its president Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh in his address at the launching ceremony.
Engkilili assemblyman and PSB youth chairman Dr Johnical Rayong; a political secretary to chief minister Suzanne Lee, PSB secretary general George Lo, former Selangau MP Datuk Joseph Entulu, former Lubok Antu MP William Nyalau Badak, former Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entri and more 35 longhouse chiefs were also present.
Wong said the objective of PSB is to be a strong party made up of patriotic Sarawakians from all races.
“We are a multiracial party working together to fulfill the requests of all Sarawakians.
“We are committed to a multiracial, multireligious society, and a Sarawak that does not distinguish people based on their race, religion or culture.”
Wong, who is also Minister of International Trade and ECommerce and Second Minister of Finance, said it did not matter that many of those present (at the launch) were new to the party or even new to politics, as long as they were prepared to serve the people.
“We hope that all of you will work together and engage in activities or programmes with the people, as well as listen to their needs,” he said.
Wong added that PSB fully supports all efforts and initiatives made by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, especially in fighting for Sarawak’s rights and interests, as well as in developing the rural areas through the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP).
“Our chief minister is a visionary man and he is planning for an advanced and united Sarawak,” he said.
Entri, who also spoke, meanwhile said, PSB was lucky to have Wong as its president.
“We know each other well as I have served in the cabinet with him before. He is a brilliant person, and has wide experience in politics. He is always cool in tackling political issues affecting the state.
“I believe our party president knows very well there are many things yet to be done for the rural people, especially the Dayaks who have been left behind in almost all aspects of development and infrastructure,” he said.
The launching programme started with the raising of PSB flag at Rumah Joshua, which was followed by cultural performances, talks on the party’s objectives and mission, and singing performance by Iban artistes Ricky El and Linda.