KUCHING: One of today’s (Feb 15) highlight of the 16th Triennial General Meeting (TGM) of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will be result of the six-way contest for the four vice president positions of the Bumiputera Wing.
The race within the party, often referred to as a ‘family affair’ included seasoned incumbents and new challengers.
The contesting candidates include four incumbents namely Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
They will be facing competition from two new challengers, Datuk Len Talif Salleh and Datuk Ibrahim Baki.
Outcome of this election is expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s leadership structure and influence future political directions.
The candidates:
Abdul Karim, the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts, is defending his post to continue his role as vice-president. Known for his efforts in promoting Sarawak’s tourism and cultural sectors, he has been a prominent figure in the party’s leadership.
Julaihi, the Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, has been instrumental in improving the state’s utility services and telecommunication infrastructure.
Both leaders have played significant roles in the state government and will be looking to retain their influence within the party.
Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, who serves as the Deputy Minister for Utility and Communication, has focused on enhancing Sarawak’s utility and communication development.
Another incumbent, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, the Deputy Minister for Education and Innovation, and Talent Development has contributed significantly to educational and innovation programmes in the state.
The two new challengers, Datuk Len Talif Salleh and Datuk Ibrahim Baki, bring fresh competition to the race.
Len Talif, the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development, has been involved in managing the state’s natural resources and overseeing urban development projects.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Baki, the Satok assemblyman and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) DUN Chief Whip, is making his first attempt at securing a vice-presidential position, aiming to bring his experience in party administration and grassroots politics to the leadership table.
The election is taking place during the PBB TGM, which runs from Feb 14 to 16 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
The results of this closely watched contest will indicate the direction of the party’s leadership renewal and political strategy moving forward.
In contrast to the contest in the Bumiputera wing, the Pesaka wing’s vice-president positions were retained uncontested by Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, and Datuk Gerawat Gala, signalling stability in that segment of the party.
Similarly, the PBB Women’s wing saw its top leadership positions remain unchanged, with Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah continuing as Women’s chief.
PBB, the leading party in Sarawak’s ruling coalition, GPS, consists of a Bumiputera Wing and a Pesaka Wing, which represents the Dayaks.
The party has a total of nine vice-presidents. Of these, four seats are for the Bumiputera Wing, three for the Pesaka Wing, while the remaining two are reserved for the heads of the Women’s and Youth Wings.
