Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister James Masing has confirmed that state Governor Taib Mahmud had met with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“Yes, Taib met Dr Mahathir and Daim in Kuala Lumpur,” Masing was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.

Malaysiakini had earlier cited a PBB source as saying that the meeting took place yesterday.

Masing said he met Taib in Kuala Lumpur after the meeting yesterday, but declined to say what the two discussed.

On whether Sarawak BN parties would switch sides, Masing said it was something they had to decide and do collectively.

“If we must move, whether we decide to stay in BN or join Pakatan, we must do it together.

“We cannot move alone. We cannot afford to become fragmented. We must move together to continue to protect our state,” Masing said.

Malaysiakini understands that Taib will summon Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg for a meeting.

Abang Johari, in turn, is expected to call an emergency meeting next Wednesday with BN's state assemblypersons and MPs to discuss their future in BN.

Sarawak BN comprises PBB, PRS, SUPP and PDP.

The coalition has 19 MPs, 13 from PBB, PRS (3), PDP (2) and SUPP (1).

If the parties decide to leave BN, it would mean the former ruling coalition would only be left with 60 parliamentary seats, nationwide.