KUCHING: The 16th General Meeting of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) this year marks a new development with the inaugural participation of the youth wing in the party’s conference.
This is a significant step in cultivating capable future leaders who understand the political direction of Sarawak.
Jepak assemblyman Iskandar Turkee described the participation of youths in PBB as a positive development to ensure leadership continuity within the party.
“This is the time for PBB to find successors so that the leadership transition from the older generation to the new generation runs smoothly.
“At the same time, we are instilling in the youth the culture and values of the struggle upheld by previous leaders to ensure leadership continuity remains strong,” he said.
According to him, youths can learn from veteran leaders who act as mentors, while the existing leaders can share their knowledge and experiences.
“This is important because it is not just about training them in politics but also about fostering compatibility within the party.
“The priority for youth is to understand the roles of each component in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), such as PBB, Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), and Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP),” he added.
On the response of youths joining PBB, Iskandar said that young people have shown a highly positive reception.
“I have engaged extensively with youths to ensure they can work together with the party and understand PBB’s direction.
“I also observe that veteran members are very open to welcoming youths into the party,” he said.
Currently, efforts to restructure the youth wing in Jepak are actively underway with assistance from PBB’s Youth Wing.
Meanwhile, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor views youth participation as an excellent approach to exposing them to the processes of the general assembly and party elections.
“By joining this assembly, they are not only learning about politics but also understanding the sacrifices, mission, and vision that form the foundation of a party’s establishment.
“For instance, yesterday, a lot of PBB’s founding history was presented, which provided youths with a clearer understanding,” she said.
She also acknowledged that many young people are still uninterested in politics, but efforts to attract them continue.
“Many youths still perceive politics as a field for older generations, but we want to change this perception.
“They need to understand that political parties are not just about power but also about building Sarawak’s future,” she added.
She noted that efforts are being made to increase youth participation in the party.
“In Lingga, the number of youths in PBB is still small, only about 80 members across eight branches.
“Many are more interested in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and specific clubs. They often assume that political parties are only about elections when, in reality, they encompass much more,” she said.
To attract more young people to join PBB, Dayang Noorazah has adopted an approach of organising programmes that align with their interests.
“I once tried bringing them to a town hall session, but it received little response.
“However, when sports or charity-based programmes were held, they were more eager to participate. Hence, we need to tailor our approach to youth preferences,” she added.
Meanwhile, Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Aidel Lariwoo also welcomed the participation of youths in this year’s assembly, describing it as an opportunity for them to get to know the party more closely.
“This is the first time youths have been officially involved in PBB’s assembly, creating new opportunities for them to collaborate with the party leadership and grassroots members.
“Certainly, these youths are the future leaders who will shape Sarawak’s future,” he said.
According to Aidel, the contributions and ideas from the younger generation are crucial to ensuring leadership continuity within the party.
“Youths have responded very positively to this initiative, especially in rural areas.
“When they are included in one of PBB’s wings, they become more motivated to contribute and strengthen the party,” he added.
Aidel also revealed that youth membership in PBB is steadily increasing, with numbers rising significantly in his area.
“We engage them in programmes such as sports and charity activities, which serve as key attractions.
“Through these activities, they get to know the party better and eventually take on roles as agents of change within the community,” he said.
He stressed that youths are not only crucial as future leaders but also as key drivers in shaping a progressive society.
