Act on ‘backdoor’ moves to replace community leaders, PDP Dudong chief tells GPS

SIBU (Aug 29): Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) Dudong has voiced strong dissatisfaction over what it alleged as “unlawful and underhanded” replacement of its community leaders without the party’s knowledge or consent.

Its chairman, Datuk Teo Boon Siew, said the party would not stand by while its grassroots representatives were unfairly sidelined.

“We strongly condemn the actions of those attempting to replace PDP’s appointed community leaders with others through the back door. This is a blatant abuse of power and goes against the spirit of unity in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS),” Teo said, echoing concerns raised by PDP president, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, who is also the Dudong assemblyman.

Teo claimed in a statement that rumours had been circulating, along with an alleged “internal list” suggesting plans to remove all PDP community leaders and replace them with individuals linked to another party.

According to Teo, such moves are not only unjust but also risk straining the trust among GPS component parties.

“We have always practised power-sharing. In Dudong alone, PDP willingly shared at least 10 community leadership posts with our GPS partners. But now, it seems certain quarters are being greedy, wanting to take everything through back channels,” he stressed.

Teo pointed out that PDP had actively participated in the official selection meetings, and the names proposed were unanimously endorsed.

“These candidates were not only supported by the people, but also recognised by the party. Why replace them suddenly? This disrespects the meeting’s decision and undermines the people’s right to be represented by leaders they trust,” he said.

The Dudong PDP chief urged GPS leadership to probe the matter and take stern action against those involved, warning that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent.

“We don’t want the unity we’ve built over the years to be torn down by a few irresponsible individuals. Politics should be based on integrity and trust, not deceit and backdoor dealings,” he added.

Teo further cautioned those attempting “political sabotage” within GPS to stop playing with fire, warning that such actions risk fracturing harmony within the coalition.

Drawing comparisons, he noted that assemblymen in Bukit Assek and Pelawan had kept all community leadership posts within their own parties. PDP, he said, is prepared to take the same approach if pushed any further.

“We will no longer compromise. We have been patient and accommodating for a long time. But if our goodwill continues to be trampled upon, we won’t hesitate to defend the rights of our members and the people,” Teo declared.

He called for sincerity in politics, urging all parties to reject the lure of “shortcuts” to power.