Defying logic and perhaps an indication that politics is nothing more than an art of the possible, ex-Sarawak National Party (Snap) senior vice-president and Limbang state assemblyperson Richard Wong has confirmed to some party colleagues that he will join the newly-registered Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP).

SPDP is led by William Mawan ( right ), 53, an Iban, the political nemesis of Richard's father James Wong Kim Min ( left ) who in early November was told by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) that Snap would be deregistered following the failure by party leaders to resolve their internal disputes.

Ex-Snap central committee member Senator William Lau, a Sibu-based lawyer and corporate leader, told malaysiakini today that Richard called him this morning to inform his decision to join SPDP on the advice of Sarawak Chief Minister and state Barisan Nasional leader Abdul Taib Mahmud after a meeting on Monday.

According to Lau a Wong loyalist Richard also told him that he would make an announcement about his decision in the next few days.

The Sarawak Tribune yesterday said Richard had listened to Abdul Taib's advice "for the sake of BN stability and for the sake of the people of Limbang".

Richard's decision to join SPDP, although something that had been expected in some quarters, surprised many others, especially since his father and ex-Snap secretary-general Justine Jinggit are still trying to revive the party by appealing to the home minister, and failing this, to challenge the decision in court.

Late last month the Kuala Lumpur High Court rejected Wong and Justine's application for a judicial review of the ROS' decision, saying that they should go and appeal to the home minister first before going to court.