Party hoppers not welcome, PRS says after Masir signals interest in rejoining the fold

Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) today said it would not welcome former members who wished to rejoin the party, a day after Sri Aman MP Masir Kujat signalled his interest in returning following his exit from Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB).

Speaking to MalaysiaNow, PRS Youth chief Snowdan Lawan described the act of party hopping as a “menace” that could destroy unity among members.

“If there is a lesson to be learnt, then we should take heed of the ‘once bitten, twice shy’ approach and not be fooled by this type of antagonising political manoeuvre,” he said.

He also suggested a measure to bar former members from rejoining in the absence of an anti-party hopping law.

Masir yesterday said he was withdrawing from PSB with immediate effect and that he would fully support the leadership of Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He had been a PRS member prior to joining PSB in 2019, and speculation was rife that he might now be returning to the Gabungan Parti Sarawak component.

When contacted by MalaysiaNow, Masir said he would function as an independent MP but did not rule out the possibility of rejoining PRS.

“If there is an offer, I may think about it,” he said. “If there is none, then I will continue to be an independent MP until the term ends in 2023.”

Snowdan however said that Masir’s exit from PSB demonstrated the need for an anti-party hopping law before the 15th general election.

“It’s anyone’s guess as to which party he might hop to, but no door should be opened to him,” he said, adding that Masir’s exit showed political immaturity and a lack of principles in politics.

He also reminded Masir that support for him would come from the people.

“We believe there will be insurmountable pressure from the rural people for him to deliver on development,” he added, referring to Masir’s current status as an independent.