While the grapevine has it that a new Sarawak-based opposition political party would be set up this month, the people's support for Sarawak Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties remains strong.

alfred jabu Dismissing the new party as a threat, Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu ( left ) said it had been proven before that the majority of the people in the state were loyal to BN.

"A clear example of the strong support enjoyed by the BN, he said, was winning the Batang-Ai by-election early this year," he told reporters in Kuching today.

Talk is rife in political circles here that the new political party, to be named Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM), would become a reality by Oct 15.

It would reportedly be headed by leaders from PKR Sarawak, and that the launch would be in Sibu, with a state assemblyperson from the opposition party, apparently behind the party's formation.

Sarawak PKR information chief See Chee How was quoted by a local daily today, saying he was aware of talk pertaining to the setting up of PRM, but could not confirm if it was true.

Jabu, who is also Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu deputy president, said currently, even the presence of opposition parties such as DAP and PKR, was no threat to the Sarawak BN.

On the Malaysia Day celebrations to be held on Saturday, Jabu said, all preparations would be ready, depending on the weather, by tomorrow.

He said, due to the unpredictable weather and health concerns, the organising committee would consult with the health department, police and meteorological department to ensure a glitch-free event.

"Rain or shine, we will be here," he said, and in jest, hoped the frequent rain in Kuching City over the past week, would switch its focus to the Batang Ai dam in Sri Aman.

- Bernama