James Masing says he is determined to contest for the PBDS president post and stressed that he would not listen to any individual who tells him otherwise.

Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) presidential aspirant Dr James Masing has spurned a compromise offer from his rivals, saying he would not agree to any suggestion that would stop him from contesting for the post.

Local English daily Malaysian Today quoted him as saying this in reaction to the 'compromise formula' from party treasurer-general Joseph Salang Gandum - whom Masing's rival for the president post Daniel Tajem has picked as his running-mate for the No 2 post.

Salang had said during a PBDS branches gathering in Sibu o­n Friday that he was prepared to make way for Masing to be deputy president while Tajem is allowed to helm the party.

"If he (Masing) has a change of mind and supports Tajem as Moggie's successor, I will gladly give way," the treasure-general was quoted as saying by the Sunday Tribune .

Salang added that outgoing president Leo Moggie had always wanted Masing to take over from Tajem when the time came.

He also disclosed that Moggie had told several senior party leaders recently that when he steps down this year, Tajem will have the right of first refusal.

"He has always wanted a smooth transition of power as any contest can cause a split within the party," added Salang.

Not surprised

However, Masing today was quick to turn down any suggestion for a compromise, indicating that he would listen o­nly to branches and not individuals.

The news report implied that even Moggie would not be able to change his mind from contesting for the top post.

"The party branches have voiced their intention in supporting me to contest for the post...so let it be so," he was quoted as saying.

"Hence, except for the branches, I will not listen to the voice of any individual, telling me not to contest," added Masing whose running-mate is Sng Chee Hua -one of the party's vice presidents.

Salang told malaysiakini today that he was not surprised by Masing's response, as he had known for sometime that the latter was determined to contest.

Meanwhile,Tajem accused Masing of reneging o­n his promise to support him as president when Moggie steps down.

The deputy president said he had talked to both Masing and Sng seven times about the leadership issue.

"But unfortunately in front and behind me both said and did different things," he was also quoted as saying at the same branches gathering in Sibu.

Tajem reminded party members that PBDS had been formed to articulate and safeguard Dayak interests and to join in power sharing in the state government.

No plan B

Commenting o­n talks about his alternative plan, which could include forming a new party, if he fails to in his bid to control PBDS, Masing said: "No, I don't have any Plan B for the moment."

"I want to concentrate with what we already have done.But let us wait and see," he was quoted as saying in the Sunday Tribune.

Most observers say Masing's comments fall short of issuing a complete denial that plans are in the offing, including getting party branches to call for an extraordinary general meeting if there is a delay in the party elections.

Malaysiakini understands that the rival faction - which also controls the party headquarters and has the tacit support and understanding of Moggie - has anticipated such moves from the Masing faction.

One senior party leader, who asked not to be named, said: "If their intention is really to break up the party and form their own, then our hands may be pushed to ask them to leave or failing that to sack them from the party."

"There may be grounds even to consider disciplinary action if it is felt that their recent conduct as party members has not been in the interest of the party," he added.