Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS) president Daniel Tajem has agreed to a compromise proposal on the selection of new office-bearers "if it is for the sake of the party".

He was responding today to a suggestion from rival leader Dr James Masing that a compromise list of office-bearers be worked out ahead of the triennial delegates conference, ordered to be held by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his capacity as Home Minister.

Fresh elections are one of the four conditions stipulated in the Home Ministry's letter, signed by the assistant secretary-general on March 10, which allowed the party's appeal for reinstatement following de-registration last December.

Tajem said he was prepared to sit down with Masing to discuss the proposal, explaining that his intention was to preserve party interests and to ensure that it remains viable, strong and intact.

On whether he would contest the party president's post, Tajem replied, "I will cross the bridge when I come to it."

There is speculation that he may not contest the post if he is satisfied that the elections can proceed smoothly and that the line-up will comprise leaders who can guide the party well.

Call for magnanimity

Tajem also said he disagreed with Masing's opinion that the present supreme council is not a valid one.

"Any true and sincere member of the party should know the party constitution," Tajem said in response to comments reported yesterday.

"When Leo Moggie ( photo ) resigned as president, I assumed the post because I was deputy president. Therefore, I am the proper president, not an acting president."

Masing, whose group includes nine of the party's 14 elected representatives, was today quoted in The Borneo Post as saying that the victors should be magnanimous to those who have lost.

He said that, if elected president, he would ensure that all elected representatives have a place in the party's governing body, since they have been elected by the grassroots.