He said the constituency was the poorest in the country and he was unable to serve effectively because of a lack of funds as he was in the opposition.

Sng said as a result, he decided to switch his support to the Perikatan Nasional government led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

“I wanted to do what is necessary to help Malaysians in this difficult time due to Covid-19.

“After consulting my constituents over the past few days, we have made a collective decision for me to announce my resignation from PKR with immediate effect.

“I truly believe that the best way forward is to put politics aside for now so that we can help stabilise and rebuild our beloved country together,” he said in a statement.

Sng said his constituency was the poorest in the country where the people were suffering due to the economic impact of the pandemic, with loss of jobs and income caused by low commodity prices.

“I have been unable to serve Julau effectively through this lack of much-needed development funds.

“With this move, I am confident that I will be able to deliver my election promises to my electorate.”

Sng said the prime minister was doing what was necessary to help Malaysians in this difficult time, adding that he should support him.

“Too much time has already been wasted politicking and bickering while the people are suffering.”

Sng said he won the Julau seat in the 2018 general election as an independent and now he had declared himself as a “government-friendly” independent.

He took over as Sarawak PKR chairman after Selangau MP Baru Bian quit the party last year.