The country's newest political party, Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM), registered about six month ago, has set an ambitious 30-seat target in the upcoming polls in Sarawak.

Ngemah state assemblyman Gabriel Adit Demong, 60, who has been appointed its state chief, today launched the Penang-based party at Nanga Bejait, near Kanowit.

NONE Present at the ceremony were its president Tang Weng Chew, vice-president Huan Cheng Guan, secretary-general Loo Kien Seang, treasurer-general Lim Kim Chu and about 300 local residents.

Speaking to reporters later, Adit said PCM would participate in the coming state election which was expected to be held between now and March 2011.

"We are ready including financially. I have identified about 30 seats where we have reasonable chances of winning.

"These are mainly rural-based Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, Melanau, and the Orang Ulu seats," he said.

'PKR not serious'

Adit, who was formerly with the Parti Pakatan Rakyat for almost a year, said he had given up on it, saying PKR and its advisor Anwar Ibrahim were not serious about taking Sarawak away from BN.

He claimed that support for PKR and Anwar was slowly declining as a result of their non-action to the people's problems and in its plans to grow even stronger state-wide.    

Adit said PCM would capitalise on Native Customary Right land issues and the dissatisfaction of the people.    

Meanwhile, he refuted allegations that he had joined the PCM for personal gains.

Adit also said he had an open invitation from Prime Minister Najib Razak to see him when he and PCM were ready.

- Bernama