KUCHING: Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS Baru) stressed that they have never been involved in any political alliance, either with BN, PH or SAKSAMA. In a statement to the media yesterday, PBDS Baru denied the allegation by political analyst, Dr. Jeniri Amir that the party is part of SAKSAMA.
Because of the alleged connection, PBDS Baru received various reactions from certain quarters, including the allegation that PBDS Baru has become BN’s political tool to split votes among the opposition.
However, many also believe that the revived PBDS is a political platform for the Dayak people to determine their own political destiny without dependant on other political forces pioneered by the Malay, Melanau or Chinese communities. PBDS Baru explained that they chose not to join any political coalition to avoid similar fates that SNAP and PBDS faced.
“We have never formed a new party, but we have revived our party, that is, PBDS,” said Rapelson who is also PBDS Baru election director. “PBDS Baru protem president Louis Jarau had once explained to the media that PBDS was never removed from BN component before it was dissolved by ROS in 2004. “However, during the party’s triennial conference in 2016, we had declared our stand as a local opposition party,” Rapelson explained.
“The recent allegation that we have become BN or PH’s political propaganda tool has ruined the reputation of the Dayak-based party,” Rapelson explained. He stressed that if PH was really serious in cooperating with PBDS Baru they should not bring the Malaya Agenda and must acknowledge the existence of local parties in the state.
“The Dayak and the people of Sarawak have for 55 years under UMNO-PBB proxy and it is sad to see the State’s wealth been blown away by Malaya. “What remain for us are NCR land rights, which will be eroded if the Sarawak Land policy under the BN Government is not refined. “PBDS Baru exists not only to fight for the fate of the Dayaks, but also to defend Sarawak’s rights as per MA63,” said Rapelson.
