PBB leader backs state’s fight to reclaim rights under MA63

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice president Datuk Julaihi Narawi has joined the chorus of fighting for Sarawak’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) like other leaders of the party.

Without mentioning names, he said there were “one or two” individuals who had contradicting opinion on MA63, but the state remained united in its view on the matter.

“Regarding the MA63, the state is of a common view and united stand to fight for Sarawak’s rights that had been eroded, whether intentionally or unintentionally…and we stand united with our Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) to pursue the matter,” he said yesterday.

As such, PBB being the lynchpin of the state government must remain united and strong to fight for the rights of all Sarawakians, he stressed when officiating at PBB Stakan branch annual general meeting (AGM) at Penview Convention Centre at Demak Laut here.

Julaihi, who is Assistant Minister of Coastal Road, pointed out that from being a small party PBB had now become a strong party due to the loyalty and commitment of party members, from the grassroots to the top leadership.

“In PBB, the reality is that the party members from the grassroots to top leadership are able to work together and have understanding and that has contributed to the party’s strength and unity,” the Sebuyau assemblyman asserted, adding that such culture must continue.

He further said that having 45 elected representatives out of the 82 state seats and 14 members of Parliament was a testimony of the party’s strength.

Julaihi also said that Abang Johari’s initiative for digital economy was the right and timely move to push the state’s economic growth so as not to be left behind in the technological era.

Meanwhile, he supported the resolutions passed by PBB Stakan branch.

In his welcoming speech, PBB Stakan branch chief Dato Sri Ali Mahmud urged the branch to fully support Abang Johari as party president, and for the post of deputy presidents held by Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (Buniputera) and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (Pesaka) to be uncontested during the PBB Convention in February next year.

The call was received unanimously by the delegates, who clapped loudly.

Both Awang Tengah and Uggah are acting deputy presidents of the party.

Present were PBB executive secretary Datuk Awang Bujang Awang Antek and PBB legal adviser Datuk Awang Bemee Ali Basah.