By Zaabar Ballia
My journey with Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) began in 1988, a pivotal year that followed the tumultuous Ming Court Affairs. My decision to become a member, after patiently waiting five years to do so, was well-thought-out and based on a strong conviction that PBB was the key to Sarawak’s stability and advancement.
Even as a youth, keenly observing the unfolding political landscape, I recognised in PBB a party that resonated with my aspirations for a prosperous and unified Sarawak.
My early years within PBB were formative, marked by close association with a constellation of inspiring young leaders — figures like the late Mustapha Annuar, Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman, Dr Abang Yusop Abg Razak, Dato Sri Alexander Linggi, Datuk Amar Muhammad Ali Mahmud, Dato Idris bin Buang, Dato Ibrahim Baki, Dato Abang Noordin Abg Zainuddin, David Mowe, Dato Peter Minos, Datuk Roland Sagah, Datuk Gramong Juna, John Nyigor, the late Carlos Parker, Richard Tawan, John David, Said Adam, Suhaili Kipli, Awang Mahyan, Awangku Jinal Abedin and many more.
These were individuals brimming with energy, intellect, and a profound commitment to Sarawak’s future, further solidifying my conviction in PBB’s potential.
Witnessing the guidance of leaders like the late Tan Sri Celestine Ujang, and now under the astute stewardship of Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, I have experienced firsthand the unwavering dedication that has made PBB the bedrock of Sarawak’s political landscape.
Aftermath of Ming Court Affair
The Ming Court Affair, a period of intense political manoeuvring and division, was a crucial crucible for Sarawak politics. For PBB, born from the merger of Parti Pesaka and Parti Bumiputera, this early challenge tested its nascent unity and resolve.
The aftermath was a period of reflection and recalibration, forcing the party to confront internal tensions and reaffirm its core principles.
My joining in 1988 coincided with this period of rebuilding and renewed focus. The air within PBB was charged with a palpable determination to move beyond the crisis and dedicate itself wholeheartedly to nation-building. This period highlighted a vital principle that still defines PBB: perseverance in the face of challenges is a necessity for survival, not merely a slogan.
Politics of development
The political crisis that followed the Ming Court Affair inadvertently paved the way for a concerted focus on the “politics of development”. PBB leadership recognised that political stability was inextricably linked to tangible progress and improvements in the lives of Sarawakians. The emphasis shifted decisively towards socio-economic upliftment, infrastructure development, and ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
This wasn’t just about securing political power; it was about demonstrating the party’s commitment to its constituents through tangible progress. This developmental focus became the cornerstone of PBB’s appeal, transcending ethnic and regional divides and uniting Sarawakians under a shared vision of prosperity.
PBB understood that true political legitimacy stemmed from delivering concrete benefits to the people, and this philosophy has been consistently pursued across successive chief ministerships.
Politics of continuity
Central to PBB’s enduring strength and stability is its ingrained culture of “give and take” in its succession model. Unlike political parties elsewhere that often succumb to divisive power struggles during leadership transitions, PBB has cultivated a system that prioritises collective leadership and smooth generational changes.
The succession model within PBB is characterised by mentorship, gradual delegation of responsibilities, and respect for seniority and experience. Leaders are nurtured and groomed over time, ensuring a pipeline of capable individuals ready to take the helm when the time comes. This structured approach minimises disruptions and maintains continuity, allowing the party to remain focused on serving Sarawak.
This culture of “give and take” also extends to policy-making and decision-making within the party. Diverse perspectives are valued, debates are encouraged, but ultimately, decisions are reached through consensus and a spirit of compromise, ensuring that all constituent groups within PBB feel represented and heard.
Strength of a structured leadership
From the grassroots level to the highest echelons of the party, there is a clear and well-respected hierarchy, but it is not a rigid or authoritarian structure. Instead, it is a framework that facilitates effective communication, coordination, and accountability. Young leaders are given opportunities to rise through the ranks, gaining experience and demonstrating their capabilities at each level.
This system ensures that leadership positions are filled by individuals who have proven their competence and commitment — not just through seniority, but also through merit and contribution to the party. The mentorship provided by senior leaders also plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation, instilling in them the values and principles that have made PBB strong.
Unifying force
What sets PBB apart is its remarkable ability to unite diverse ethnic communities — the Malays, Melanaus, Ibans, Bidayuhs, Orang Ulus, and others — under a common political umbrella. This is no small feat in a multi-ethnic society like Sarawak.
PBB has achieved this by genuinely representing the interests of all these communities, understanding their unique needs and aspirations, and ensuring that no group feels marginalised or excluded. This inclusivity is not merely a matter of rhetoric; it is reflected in PBB’s policies, its leadership composition, and its grassroots outreach.
By building bridges across ethnic divides and fostering a sense of shared belonging, PBB has created a formidable political force that accurately reflects the diversity and dynamism of Sarawakian society.
Charting the future
The 16th Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Convention will be held from Feb 14 to 16 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK), carrying the theme: ‘PBB Tonggak kepada Kestabilan, Kemajuan dan Kelestarian’ (PBB: The Pillar of Stability, Progress, and Sustainability).
A reaffirmation of PBB’s dedication to continuity and unity lies at the core of this convention. The main resolutions passed at the various zones’ TDC reflect this priority, with strong support for retaining the posts of party president, two deputy presidents, and two senior vice presidents uncontested.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg remains party president, with Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali as his deputies. The senior vice presidents, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusuf and Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundie Utom play a crucial role in steering the party’s policies forward.
However, the convention will see an exciting contest among six candidates for the four vice-presidency positions in the Bumiputera wing. The incumbents — Datuk Sri Abdul Karim Hamzah, Datuk Julaihi Nawawi, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, and Datuk Dr Annuar Rapee — are defending their positions.
Datuk Ibrahim Baki and Datuk Len Talif Salleh are strong contenders in the upcoming state general elections. With the convention approaching, delegates will focus on strengthening the leadership, potentially leading to changes in the vice-presidential lineup.
The three vice president posts in the Pesaka wing are not contested, so Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, Datuk Gerawat Gala and Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu retain their positions.
While the contest is expected to be intense, it will be fought in the spirit of camaraderie — an internal competition among family members dedicated to strengthening PBB. Each candidate brings unique strengths, and the delegates will ultimately decide who among them will be best suited to stand alongside the party’s top leadership to steer PBB into its next phase.
Enduring legacy
For the public, understanding PBB is understanding the bedrock of Sarawak’s political stability and its progressive trajectory. PBB is not just a political party; it is an institution deeply woven into the fabric of Sarawakian society.
As Sarawak stands at the threshold of new challenges and opportunities, PBB remains the steadfast anchor guiding the state toward a future of prosperity, unity, and sustainability.
● Zaabar Ballia is a political activist, freelance writer, and geopolitical analyst who writes at his own speed and convenience in order to present issues in a fair and appropriate context. You can reach him via email at azballia@gmail.com
