Voon tight-lipped on PBK's election plans, says strategy in place
Voon speaking at the event. – Photo by Peter Boon
SIBU (May 25): Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) president Voon Lee Shan was coy on the number of seats the party will contest in the coming state election.
He was quick to emphasise, however, that the party has strategies in place to contest the election.
'I cannot disclose at this moment how many seats we are going to contest. The committee has not decided (yet). But we have strategies on how to fight this next (state) election.
'Our strategy is very simple. Our strategy is that we are consistent in our struggle for Sarawak independence in a peaceful and legal manner.
'So, in order to achieve this, we must form the government. Only when you are in the government can you bring the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) to declare it null and void, or to Parliament or whatever legal avenue,' he told reporters.
Voon made these remarks when met after the Sarawak People's Justice Dinner organised by PBK at a local restaurant here last night. The event was chaired by the party's youth chief, Moh Hiong King.
For the record, in the 2021 Sarawak election, PBK contested 73 out of the 82 seats but failed to win any.
Voon also expressed concern over the issue of oil and gas rights, underscoring the limitations posed by the Petroleum Development Act 1974 (PDA74).
'Until and unless the PDA74 is revoked or repealed, oil and gas remain under the control of Petronas. That is the law. And the Constitution is very clear,' he said.
Meanwhile, PBK supreme council member Awang Badele urged the state government to provide electricity subsidies to ease the burden of those in the B40 and M40 income groups.
He also called for the acceleration of perimeter surveys on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land and proposed an environmental allowance for residents in Bintulu, citing its role as a major liquefied natural gas (LNG) production hub.
'We are giving constructive suggestions to the government so that they can be implemented to benefit the people,' said Awang.
Also present at the dinner were PBK deputy president Peli Aron, vice president Dr Richard Ibuh, organising chairman Moh Hiong King, and PBK life president Yu Chin Liik. Parti Bumi Kenyalang state election Voon Lee Shan
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