KUCHING: Parti Tenaga Rakyat Sarawak (Teras) plans to set up a team of cyber troopers aimed at not only promoting the party’s activities, but also handling criticisms and tackling ‘political gangsterism’.
According to party president Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan, there have been reports about Teras being ‘attacked and harassed’ by certain quarters, which leaves it no choice but to run its own cyber troopers as a counter-measure.
“What concerns us are the elements of extremism or ‘political gangsterism’, which seems to be rampant of late. We never subscribe to or support such tactics, as we believe in consensus and leadership, of which the chain of command begins from top.
“The decision is made at the very top, and that we must follow and obey it. When people are free to hit one another, this is not the exact political scheme for the unity of our people and Sarawak.
“It is not that we do not want to gang up with other groups, but it is just not consistent with the inclusiveness of the broad-based politics advocated by the prime minister, BN (Barisan Nasional) and our chief minister,” he told reporters after chairing Teras Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting at the party’s headquarters here yesterday.
Mawan pointed out that relevant political parties ought to work closely towards broadening the political support for BN, instead of going behind each other’s back for vested interests.
He recalled that even before the last general election, direct BN membership was explored in
view of the vast interest of intellectuals and corporate figures, who were outside the coalition but had associated themselves with it.
“They support BN leadership; except that they do not want to go through the existing political structure, (and) the existing political parties.”
He said when certain quarters hit out at Teras leaders, who are members of the state cabinet, such act was not in tandem with the broad context in national politics (of inclusiveness) as advocated by BN top leaders.
“Teras is looking into every aspect.
“We will not be confrontational because we are former SPDP (Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party). I would profess here that whatever consensus or decision made with regard to the overall well-being and unity of BN to win the elections, this party is supportive of it.
“What we do not want is that there may be a conspiracy going around. But let it not be seen that we are giving way to this extremist politics. Let us not condone the behaviour of certain groups, which I think is destructive.”
On Teras, Mawan said despite the fact that the party was ‘very young’, it had been moving ‘very fast’— more than what had been expected of it.
In this respect, he highlighted that Teras received over 4,000 new membership applications as at yesterday.
“A month ago, we had over 1,000 new applications from various divisions.
“We have set up 26 new branches to date. We are particularly focusing on the preparations for the next state election.”
Mawan described Teras leaders as ‘moderate and cooperative’, adding that the party had been working alongside BN since day one with Teras leaders having ‘never made any step outside BN’.
He also said Teras would join any collaboration and teamwork effort aimed at consolidating the support for BN.
“I have told all our committee members that we are going to intensify (efforts) everywhere including areas that had been newly approved in Parliament. Let us roll out everywhere.”
Mawan disclosed that he would open Teras Meluan new office today (Dec 13), followed by a Christmas party with the local community.
“We will be moving to ‘rumah panjang’ (longhouse) in Kanowit. After that, we will be moving to Limbang and Marudi and then to Lawas, as well as having a function with the deputy prime minister in Miri.
“Most of our leaders will be seen at (these) functions to enhance our grassroots support.”-Borneo Post
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