‘BN parties should emulate PBB’

The success, strength and uniqueness of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) should be emulated by other component parties in Barisan Nasional as the ruling coalition gears up for the 14th General Election (GE14).

Prime Minister and BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak said PBB deserved to be a role model for other political parties because of the strong unity and consensus among leaders and members of the party, which was the lynchpin of the ruling coalition in the state.

“This is the beauty of PBB that makes the party special.

“The spirit of cooperation and consensus in the party is very strong to the extent that there is no issue between the senior and younger generations, or between leaders and members of the Bumiputera and Pesaka wings.

“I can attest to and confirm that there is no divide in the party because I am the prime minister who has visited Sarawak 59 times,” said Najib at the opening of the 14th general assembly of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu at the Borneo Convention Centre here yesterday.

Based on the fact that the opening ceremony was attended by more than 5,000 party delegates and observers, Najib said PBB was ready to slug it out and retain Sarawak as a BN stronghold in GE14.

“I can feel the high spirits (in the hall) and I can conclude that PBB is ready to battle it out in the next general election.

“PBB is convening its 14th general assembly and coincidentally, we are going to face the 14th General Election.

“I hope this (the number 14) is a good sign for BN in Sarawak under the leadership of ‘Abang Jo’ (Abang Johari) and his team of leaders in the state government, who are always loyal to each other.”

Apart from announcing his support and confidence in Abang Johari in leading the state to greater heights with his digital economy agenda, Najib paid tribute to the late former chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who he fondly referred to as “Tok Nan”.

“I appreciate the contributions and sacrifices made by Tok Nan.

“With his ‘Team Adenan’ campaign and ‘Adenan’s way’ slogan, coupled with his unique and relaxed approach, as well as his theme song, The Young Ones, he led BN to a landslide victory in the 11th state election.

“It was a challenging feat but we won 72 of the 82 seats. Thank you, Tok Nan.

“We will always miss you. We will never forget you.”