KUCHING: Puncak Borneo member of parliament Datuk Willie Mongin has applied to join a component party of Gabungan Party Sarawak (GPS).
It is understood that the federal lawmaker's destination is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the backbone of GPS.
"Yes, I have applied to join a local party and hope they will accept my application," he revealed today.
Willie, who is also the Deputy Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister, clarified that he was only "placed" under Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia to support the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government under the leadership of then prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said the situation arose because at that time he did not have a party after quitting PKR.
"When the government changed, I did not join any party, but I do not deny that I was placed under Bersatu in order to provide backing to the government at that time.
"Now I still support the government and I am grateful for the assistance of the current government, which has enabled me to serve the people and bring progress and development to my constituency," he said.
Willie said he hoped to continue to gain the trust of the federal government in bringing stability not only at the national level but also at the state government level.
"Only with political stability and a stable government will we be able to continue to move forward. I hope the local party (PBB), to which I have submitted an application, will consider it.
"I am committed to working together for the good of the voters in Puncak Borneo, the people of Sarawak and Malaysia," he said.
Willie won the Puncak Borneo parliamentary seat in the 14th general election under a PKR ticket.
He garnered 18,885 votes and a majority of 4,005 to defeat BN candidate Genot Sinel who received 14,860 votes and Aspirasi candidate Buln Ribos who got 795 votes.
