BETONG: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will defend every seat it currently holds in the coming Sarawak election, with the party remaining the backbone of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and committed to continuing its development agenda for the state, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Without speculating on the timing of the state election, Abang Johari said PBB’s focus remains on strengthening its service to the people and ensuring Sarawak stays on course to become Malaysia’s most developed region by 2030.
“When the election will be held, I do not know. Some say October, some say November, others say December. Let that be a separate matter. What is important is that PBB remains the backbone of GPS.
“PBB will defend every seat it contests. God-willing, we will continue implementing our policies to develop Sarawak into the most advanced region in Malaysia by 2030, ” he said in his keynote address during the launch of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Special Convention Betong Zone 2026 here today.
Abang Johari said PBB’s strength lies in its long-standing principle of serving all communities equally, which has enabled the party to remain relevant and resilient through various political challenges.
“PBB has always been a party for all races. From the beginning until today, our struggle has never been about dividing communities. We work together, and those who are capable are given the opportunity to serve for the benefit of all Sarawakians,” he said.
He cautioned against reviving old-style politics centred on personal ambitions and party hopping, saying such practices have repeatedly failed because Sarawakians value stability and inclusive leadership.
“You can already see it starting because the election is drawing near. There are those who always jump from one party to another,” he said.
Recalling the political crisis in 1987, Abang Johari said PBB had overcome attempts to divide the party because it remained united and upheld fairness across all ethnic groups.
Abang Johari said PBB has never allowed any community to be left behind in Sarawak’s development and stressed that the party’s policies are aimed at ensuring inclusive growth across the state.
He also highlighted Sarawak’s remarkable economic progress, noting that the state is now among Malaysia’s top five economies after previously lagging behind.
“Today, Sarawak is among the top five economies in Malaysia. If our planning stays on track until 2030, I believe we can climb even higher, perhaps surpassing Johor or even Selangor, because we are strengthening the fundamentals of our economy,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Sarawak’s revenue and economic performance would continue to improve over the next few years, provided the state’s long-term development plans remain on course.
“PBB is always ready to serve Sarawak. We are not arrogant or boastful, but we work according to our own wisdom to develop the state because we cannot depend on others. We must be able to defend our own future,” he added.
