According to the report, PRS’ Kedup and Tebedu divisions held a meeting in Serian where the matter was brought up in the presence of party secretary-general Wilfred Nissom and supreme council member Snowdan Lawan.

PRS Kedup deputy chairman Ajon Nyabor said the proposal to invite John to join the party received all-round support from all those present.

“Since John is partyless now, we feel that he should consider joining PRS to be his platform in Barisan Nasional, if his application to join PBB is not accepted,” he was quoted as saying.

PRS does not have a division in Bukit Semuja, a seat carved out from the Kedup and Tebedu constituencies.

John, who emerged the victor in a five-cornered fight for Bukit Semuja, could become PRS’ first Bidayuh elected representative if he joins the party led by Sarawak deputy chief minister James Masing.

It had been previously reported that John, along with eight other partyless BN assemblymen, had applied to join Sarawak’s biggest party, PBB.

The eight others William Mawan Ikom (Pakan), Rosey Yunus (Bekenu), Paulus Palu Gumbang (Batu Danau), Dr Jerip Susil (Mambong), Ranum Mina (Opar), Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa (Engkilili), Gerawat Gala (Mulu) and Miro Simuh (Serembu).

However, Chief Minister and PBB president Adenan Satem had told the nine assemblymen to consult their constituents on their intention to join PBB and have been given till the end of the month to do so.