KUCHING: Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) Youth chief has dismissed as "sensational reports" media speculations of a possible merger between the party and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP).
Datuk Snowdan Lawan said there have been no discussions between the two parties - both coalition partners in Sarawak's ruling four-party Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
He said this when asked for his comments on fresh news reports yesterday that quoted PDP president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing as saying he is open to a potential merger.
Lawan, who is also state Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, said since there has been no discussions, then the news reports are merely "media sensational reports."
"Interesting to read but then, without discussions, whose interest is there to gauge?" he asked.
He said a merger is a big thing which has to be decided by the party leadership, not through news reports.
Lawan also said PRS is unlikely to rock the boat when the political situation in the state " is conducive now."
He pointed out that four of the state's major parties are in the GPS coalition.
Apart from PRS and PDP, the other two parties are Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), the lead party of the coalition and the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP).
The four parties dominate the state legislative assembly holding 79 of the 82 seats.
The lone independent assemblyman is also considered as "GPS friendly", leaving the opposition DAP only two seats.
Lawan said it is best for all for the status quo to remain.
