Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) deputy president and presidential aspirant Daniel Tajem today dismissed a newspaper report that 11 branches in his traditional stronghold in Sri Aman had pledged support for his rival Dr James Jemut Masing.

A front-page report in today's Sarawak Tribune , a local English daily, said delegates from 11 branches within Tajem's stronghold had in a signed statement felt "a more dynamic and younger leader" Masing would receive their support as candidate to be president succeeding Leo Moggie who is not seeking re-election.

They also pledged support for Masing's running mate Sng Chee Hua as deputy president.