Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud has asked Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Daniel Tajem to set aside his differences with Dr James Masing and try to work together as a team.

According to sources, Abdul Taib made this request when he met a seven-member PBDS delegation led by Tajem at his office in Kuching yesterday.

The sources added that Tajem was also advised to cease issuing public statements on the leadership dispute pending a decision by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) on the legality of the two rival committees in the party.

Other PBDS leaders present were deputy president Joseph Salang Gandum, vice-presidents Gabriel Adit, Jawah Gerang and Peter Runin, secretary-general Stanley Ajang and treasurer-general Anthony Liman.

Deputy chief minister Alfred Jabu was also present. Jabu, who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) deputy president, was also in the previous meeting between the chief minister and Masing's group.

Courtesy call

When met after the 30-minute meeting, Tajem said it was merely a courtesy call on the chief minister. He added that the delegation had assured Abdul Taib that they would stand by him no matter what happens.

The sources said Abdul Taib was also careful not to show support towards any faction nor did he suggest any formulas that could bring the rivals together.

However, they added that the chief minister had some 'surprising but positive' indications on promises made before with regards to government appointments.

A member of the delegation told malaysiakini later that they were happy that the meeting had finally taken place.

"It helped to break the ice to a certain extent," he said, adding that the meeting was held in a cordial manner.