Posted on 18 September 2011.
COUNT US OUT: (from left) Jonas, Jimmy, Munan and Matthew hold up their letters of resignation at the press conference.
KUCHING: Former Sri Aman MP Jimmy Donald has resigned from PKR, citing the need to "re-examine his next political move and future" as reasons to quit the peninsula-based opposition party.
Those who also quit yesterday were PKR Serian chairman Jonas Riong, PKR Kapit chairman Munan Laja, senior member Matthew American and Dr John Brian Anthony, who was defeated in Meluan in the April 16 state polls.
Following these resignations, some of the office bearers and senior members of the affected branches would follow suit within the next few days. Among those from PKR Sri Aman touted to follow suit include the vice chairman, secretary, wanita chief, committee and senior members, Jimmy revealed.
"We have not made any decision about joining other political parties, current or upcoming ones, for the time being," Jimmy told a press conference at his office in MJC Batu Kawah here.
On joining the Barisan Nasional (BN), Jimmy replied: "It's not an option for sure".
Jimmy, who is also PKR Sri Aman chief, said the five of them felt the need to do some re-thinking about their political future and to work out the best course of action.
"For the time being, we are just re-examining our position … to think of the best way to help solve the problems of the people in the state, and how best we can be involved in the politics of Sarawak.
"I wish to thank the president, state liaison chief and all leaders and members of PKR for the help and guidance which they have given me while I was with PKR,"
Although he has resigned, Jimmy said he would remain supportive of PKR's vision and mission, and would continue to render assistance whenever and wherever needed.
He made it clear that leaving PKR was done on their personal basis and not due to disagreements or disappointments with the party.
Asked whether he would be contesting in the next general election, Jimmy said: "I have not made a decision on this. The political scenario is so uncertain for now and anything can happen. Right now, I'm just thinking about what is the next best step."
Jimmy was a three-term Sri Aman MP from 1995 to 2008. When PBDS was de-registered in 2004, all of the party's seats were automatically allocated to the (then) newly formed PRS, which was immediately accepted into the state BN coalition.
In the 12th general election in 2008, Jimmy was not nominated to defend his seat. PRS instead opted for Masir Kujat, who successfully defended the seat for BN.
Masir won the seat with a 4,252-vote majority, defeating independent candidate Cobbold John Lusoi in a straight fight.
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