PBB top posts remain uncontested
KUCHING: Three top posts in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), including the party president, have seen no contest in the party’s 14th general assembly at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here.
Party members unanimously picked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg to lead the party in the new term, having taken over the No. 1 post after the death of Tan Sri Adenan Satem last year.
Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan was also voted as party deputy presidents during the assembly from Thursday until Monday.
Awang Tengah said the top posts being uncontested was not unusual for the largest political party in Sarawak, known for its systematic organisational structure that emphasised tolerance and integrity among its members and leaders.
This was also the reason for the smooth power transition when Abang Johari took over the party following the death of Adenan.
Established 45 years ago, PBB had gone through various “experiences and learning process” that strengthened the party and enabled it to remain relevant, said Awang Tengah.
He said the success of the party laid in the discipline, loyalty, mutual understanding and respect among its members.
“All the elements are well understood and upheld by everyone, from the grassroots to the leadership. They have become a tradition of the party — a merger between Parti Pesaka Anak Sarawak (Pesaka) and Parti Bumiputera Sarawak (Bumiputera) on Jan 5 in 1973.
“We lead and teach our members to always respect the decision of the leaders. When we need to sacrifice our personal interest for the party, we will do it with open heart and blessings.
“This doesn’t mean that there is no democracy in PBB, however. The interest of the party is more important (than personal interest). This was what made us a strong party, the backbone of Sarawak,” he said recently.
Awang Tengah said PBB, as a people-oriented party, had gained much respect, especially in its effort to claim the rights and interests stated in the 1963 Malaysian Agreement, which was raised by Adenan.
“We will never quit Malaysia, but to get back the rights that belonged to us, as a partner that has formed the country. Sarawak will always remain in Malaysia.”