EMBATTLED Selangau MP Baru Bian today admitted there’s an underhanded attempt to engineer his ouster as Sarawak PKR chief, a position he had held for nine years.

But a defiant Baru said he would not be hounded out by his detractors nor quit the party that “I believe in”.

Addressing his supporters who had turned up at the Kuching international airport this morning to give him a rapturous welcome upon his arrival from Miri, Baru said it was “very clear” that there are “some people” trying to divert from how the PKR state chief is picked, “trying to divide us and trying to determine our future in this new government”.

While the works minister did not mention any names, it was clear that he was referring to Julau MP Larry Sng and his businessman father Sng Chee Hua.

Last week, Larry said the appointment of state chief was the prerogative of party president Anwar Ibrahim, who many here believe backed the younger man instead of Baru.

But the claim was quickly shot down by Sarawak PKR information chief Vernon Kedit, who said the appointment of the state chief lies in the hands of the state’s 29 division chiefs, not the president.

“There are some voices that we hear that departs from the provisions of the (party) constitution,” Baru told his banner-waving supporters who honoured him by making him, a Lun Bawang, the paramount chief of the Orang Ulu community.

The “anointment” – placing the lavong pahlawan maren Kayan-Kenyah on his head – was made by Stephen Kuleh, a Kayan “maren” (aristocrat) from ulu Rajang.

Baru said Sarawak PKR had been very united “all these years since I took over in 2009”.

“But apparently, in the last few months, we hear attempts to destablise, disunite us.”

But Baru is heartened by a statement made by Anwar in Kuala Lumpur yesterday when he stated “the appointment of the PKR chairman will be made as usual in accordance with the party constitution”.

“I am very happy that this issue (the appointment procedure) had been confirmed and clarified. I welcome the statement.”

Baru said according to the party’s constitution, picking the state chiefs for Sarawak and Sabah is not the prerogative of the president.

“Its not correct to say it is.”

He said according to the provisions of the constitution, all the division chiefs must be consulted on who they want as chief.

“That’s very clear. It has been done before and we will not depart from that.

“All must be in accordance of the constitution of the party.”

He said the party president would only be informed after the division chiefs had made their pick.

“He would then appoint the person (as chief).

“This is one of the important features of PKR, giving autonomy to Sabah and Sarawak which is consistent with our claims that we are of equal status to the peninsular (as contained in the Malaysia Agreement 1963).”

Baru said despite the underhanded political manoeuvering, he believed PKR leaders and members in the state are matured enough to make a choice.

Dismissing the possibility that he could leave the party if he is replaced, Baru said he, like them (his supporters) had joined PKR “because we believe in its policy to fight for justice for all races”.

“I still believe this is the best option for now. We will be together to determine our future through PKR.

“Our journey is not concluded yet.” – November 24, 2018.