KUCHING: Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), once a formidable political force in Puncak Borneo, appears to be facing a steady decline, with recent developments suggesting that the party may be losing its foothold in the area.
The party rose to prominence after securing the Puncak Borneo parliamentary seat during the 14th general election, a victory that marked a significant milestone for PKR in Sarawak.
However, support for the party has since waned considerably, raising concerns about its future viability in the region.
A major blow to the party came with the departure of its former Puncak Borneo chairman, Diog Dios.
Diog, who took over the leadership after Datuk Willie Mongin left the party, has announced his decision to exit PKR, citing internal issues and a lack of alignment with the party’s direction.
According to Dios, his decision was influenced by what he described as “double standards” within PKR as well as diminishing confidence in the party’s ability to secure electoral victories in Sarawak.
He expressed doubts that PKR could reclaim key constituencies such as Mambong or Puncak Borneo in future elections.
“I chose not to contest any post during the last party election because I noticed many things that were not in line with my principles.”
Diog also revealed that party leadership had indicated PKR may not field candidates in certain constituencies in the upcoming Sarawak polls.
He said he was informed that no candidate would be placed in the Mambong seat, suggesting a possible strategic withdrawal or negotiations with other political coalitions.
Speculation is also growing that PKR may only contest a limited number of seats—possibly between six and seven—if it decides to participate independently.
“However, should negotiations with Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) materialise, the party’s presence on the ballot could be further reduced,” Diog said.
In a significant shift, he confirmed he will be contesting the Mambong seat under Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) in the upcoming 13th Sarawak polls.
He currently serves as the state secretary for PBM Sarawak.
Diog, who contested under the PKR ticket in Puncak Borneo in the 15th general polls, said most of the members are going with him to PBM.
