Key figures in the Daniel Tajem faction appear to be uncertain, even divided, on how to respond to rival Dr James Masing's conciliatory gestures for talks on a possible compromise ahead of the Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) polls in October.

On Thursday, Masing welcomed Tajem's comment that he was encouraging younger leaders from both factions to mix around as the party's future depended on them.

Earlier this week, Masing, who is also state land development minister, attended a longhouse function that also saw the presence of one of Tajem's staunch supporters, PBDS vice-president Gabriel Adit.

Both the leaders were said to have spoken at the function in a tone devoid of any acrimony while Masing, apparently delighted at Adit's presence, told Adit that his ministry was ready to offer any assistance if there are requests made on behalf of local native customary rights (NCR) land-owners for the development of oil palm plantations.

The conciliatory tone in the speeches appear to suggest that either both factions are battle-weary after the protracted leadership dispute or they realise there will be no eventual winners should the feud drag on.

Motive questioned

In announcing a series of road-shows earlier in the week ahead of the party's October 9-10 triennial delegates conference, Masing said he wanted to save the party amid talks it could face another de-registration if both sides don't call a truce.

PBDS, one of the state Barisan Nasional's four component parties, has14 elected representatives - eight state assemblypersons and six members of parliament. Of this, nine - six state assemblypersons and three MPs are aligned to Masing.

"Both factions may be coming to terms with reality, for the alternative for both could be far worse than they ever anticipated," said one observer when commenting on the latest developments.

But some in Tajem's faction are suspicious of their rival's motive in sending out conciliatory feelers.

They said the Masing faction is only interested in him becoming president and they would want to win at any cost.

It is learnt that Tajem's faction has sent word that a compromise would be possible only if Masing and his supporters accept Tajem as president while the former and Joseph Salang (photo right) as deputy presidents.

"You just don't push someone out, even he is not so keen to serve anymore, especially when he has been through thick and thin with the party since day one," a party leader said of Tajem.

But the real problems besetting the Dayak-based party are deeper and may involve more than just the leaders.

Another group comprising younger members from the Tajem faction want to engage in a dialogue with their rivals in one form or another.

Masing's roadshows

Meanwhile, the Masing faction's road-shows are continuing. Today, 22 out of the 24 delegates from eight branches in Bau turned up at a lunch at Tondong to hear speeches from Masing, Kakus state assemblyperson John Sikie and a political secretary to the chief minister Wilfred Nissom.

The faction kicked off its road shows in Miri on Aug 20 will cover several other areas in Sarawak to meet delegates on the list for the 2000 triennial delegates conference

BN has promised to use the 2000 delegates list for this year and both factions have agreed to this, with the Tajem faction suggesting some modifications to include some 24 branches registered after that date.

The BN technical committee which is acting as mediator to resolve the party crisis is to meet after the Be'kalalan state by-election, possibly at the end of September.

TONY THIEN is malaysiakini's Sarawak-based stringer.