CHERAS (May 13): Parti Keadilan Rakyat yesterday announced it has accepted the memberships of six politicians from Sarawak, including two newly-elected independent members of parliament (MP).

The independent MPs are Larry Sng Wei Shien representing the Julau seat, and Lubuk Antu representative Tambat @ Jugah Anak Muyang.

Former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun is among the remaining four. The other three are: former Marudi assemblyman Datuk Sylvester Entry Muran, Robert Lingga Mangge and Tony Khoo.

In a press conference held at the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital yesterday, Ampang MP Zuraidah Kamaruddin said the two MPs chose to join PKR because they believe in the federael government’s struggle for reform, and the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

"Insya-Allah, more are coming from Sarawak to join Keadilan. We have been approached by a few more. At this moment, Keadilan has four MPs from Sarawak. With these additions, we expect there will be more to come," said Zuraidah. 

When asked whether PKR will accept more MPs from Barisan Nasional Sarawak, Zuraidah said it is beyond her position to talk about the possibility of BN MPs switching sides.  

However, PKR Sarawak chairman and MP for Selangau Baru Bian, who was also present at the press conference, said there are individual MPs from BN Sarawak who believe in the struggle for reform, whom PKR or other Pakatan Harapan component parties in Sarawak may consider accepting. 

"We have been steadfast in going against the policies of BN, especially in Sarawak, so we are not going to open our memberships for the entire component party to join PH in Sarawak, but there are individuals with whom we can work together and we are open to them joining us," said Baru.