The Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) has officially admitted three Dayak elected representatives - one Snap, one Independent and one partyless - as members of the party.

SPDP's newly-elected vice-president Vincent Tan has confirmed to malaysiakini that their applications were approved at the party's central executive committee meeting two weeks ago.

The three are Dr Johnicol Rayong Ngipa who was elected on a Snap ticket in Engkilili, Gabriel Adit (left), elected on an Independent ticket in Ngemah, and Jewah Gerang, the MP for Lubok Antu who became partyless after the de-registration of Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak.

Rayong told malaysiakini that his decision to join BN was prompted by what he described as the strong desire of his constituents to see him on the ruling side.

He explained that his constituents generally felt that the BN will be able to deliver development to the predominantly-Iban constituency which has not since much progress compared with many other constituencies in the state.

Earlier this week Chief Minister and state BN leader Abdul Taib Mahmud said the elected representatives must be prepared to give up their seats if they were admitted into the BN.

To most observers, this appears to signal the condition for admission into the BN.

Allocation for projects

One main reason for the decision of the trio to join the BN is that as opposition elected representatives, they will not be able to benefit for the annual financial allocation for minor rural development projects.

Projects such as the supply of generators to kampungs, gravity water systems, repairs of plankwalks and kampung roads are part of the goodies normally dished out by the ruling coalition's elected representatives to their constituents.

The opposition normally do not benefit from such an allocation.

Rayong said he has to think of the larger interest of the community who felt their needs could be better served by him supporting the BN.

"I have given it considerable thought and decided finally to join BN through SPDP," he added.

Adit and Jewah were not immediately available for comment.

The only remaining partyless elected representative who has not joined any of the BN party is the MP for Julau Joseph Salang (left)who is also deputy foreign minister.

It is said he is still watching developments, as he is said to be in no hurry.

A close associate said Salang, a successful Iban businessman, may serve his last term unless the BN leadership wants him to continue.