Sarawak Chief Minister and state Barisan Nasional (BN) chairperson Abdul Taib Mahmud has indicated that he would like to see the Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) crisis resolved in a fair manner.

In an interview with the Borneo Post published today, he said that holding fresh elections could be the way to end the protracted leadership tussle in the BN component party.

Abdul Taib also voiced support for Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who said earlier this month that the BN would like to bring PBDS back to life.

The party was de-registered by the Registrar of Societies on Dec 5 for allegedly not complying with the party constitution in holding its elections in July.

"I think if there is a solution, it must be fair to both parties. Any move that tries to bring them together and finds a solution which doesn't show winners taking all is a good step," said Abdul Taib.

No comments

Contacted today, PBDS president Daniel Tajem said he was unaware of the chief minister's comments as he is in Kuala Lumpur.

"I cannot make any comment until I have read the newspaper report," he added.

Tajem is in the federal capital to work on an appeal letter that will be handed to the premier, urging him to overturn the ROS decision.

A senior leader from the Tajem faction said that the party is currently focused on getting the appeal letter ready.

"We are trying our best to save the party and then try to bring everyone back into the fold so that PBDS can continue to be a worthy partner in BN," added the leader who declined to be named.

PBDS has 14 elected representatives - eight state assembly representatives and six members of Parliament.