KUCHING: Former Anglican Bishop of Sarawak Datuk Bolly Lapok has joined local Opposition party Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) ahead of the impending state election.

       Bolly, 69, said he was approached by various political parties but decided to join PSB after much thought.

       He said PSB's invitation was an "ideal platform" for him to continue speaking out against extremism.

       "I am drawn by the party's distinct advocacy of centrism and regionalism with its pledge to protect Sarawak's interracial harmony and religious tolerance from any form of extremism," he said when announcing his membership at PSB headquarters here on Thursday (Nov 11).

       Bolly, who retired in 2017, acknowledged that his entry into politics would come as a surprise to many as it was an unconventional move for a retired priest.

       However, he said riding quietly into the sunset was not an option for him.

       "As I had been in the past, so I am now committed to voice out and condemn reckless rhetoric that can sow ill-feeling and discord to the Malaysian Family," he added.

       PSB president Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh said Bolly joined PSB as a member without any conditions.

       He declined to say whether the former bishop would be considered as a candidate in the coming polls.

       "It is his conviction to the people of Sarawak that he would like to play a role through PSB in politics," he said.

       The Sarawak Legislative Assembly was dissolved on Nov 3 following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's consent to lift the statewide Emergency on the same day, paving the way for the state election to be held within 60 days.