SIBU: A robot dressed in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) attire drew attention at the PBB Central Zone Special Convention 2026, symbolising Sarawak’s growing embrace of digitalisation and advanced technology.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the unusual reception he received upon arriving at the convention reflected the changing times and the state’s commitment to integrating digital technology into its development agenda.
“Usually I am welcomed by the women’s wing, youth wing and party members. But today there was something different – a special group.
“There was even a PBB robot. I was welcomed by a PBB robot, which means even the robot wants to become a PBB member,” he said when speaking at the convention held at the Sibu Indoor Stadium today (Jul 26).
Abang Johari said the moment illustrated how rapidly technology is transforming society, with digital tools increasingly becoming part of everyday life.
“This is the new era. The era has changed to the extent that even a robot is wearing a PBB shirt.
“The situation has changed, and human functions must now work together with robots. Today, people cannot function entirely on their own because they need assistance from the digital environment,” he said.
He stressed that PBB has consistently incorporated digitalisation into its plans for Sarawak’s future development.
“PBB indeed embraces the digital environment in our efforts to develop Sarawak,” he said.
Abang Johari also quipped that he was unsure of the robot’s membership number and whether it had submitted an application to the PBB secretary-general, but said the presence of the robot demonstrated the state’s growing expertise in renewable energy and digital technology.
“It reflects that Sarawak now possesses knowledge in renewable energy and digitalisation. We already have the expertise, and PBB has that knowledge as well,” he said.
