KUCHING: The uncontested selection of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Pesaka Wing’s vice-president should not be viewed as undemocratic but rather as a sign of party maturity.
Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), said that consensus in leadership selection is also a democratic process.
For the Pesaka Wing, the members have reached a consensus to retain the current incumbents – Gerawat, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu – as vice-presidents.
“To me, it does not mean that is being undemocratic. Consensus is also a form of democracy. Even if there were a vote, the result would likely remain the same.
“No contest can have advantages, particularly in ensuring continuity and allowing leaders to concentrate on doing their jobs instead of campaigning. Some argue that contests are necessary to uphold democracy, but in this case, the absence of a challenge reflects the members’ confidence in their leaders.
“It shows the party’s maturity – the members know who they want to lead them and share the same vision for PBB’s future,” he said when met at his office in Baitulmakmur Building 1 today (Feb 13).
The Mulu assemblyman stated that political parties or organisations, by law, are required to go through renewal of leadership, but PBB has demonstrated unity even after internal elections.
“PBB is a very mature party. Regardless of contest outcomes, we always come back together, which is part of our culture and strength,” he said.
On the six candidates vying for the four vice-president positions in the Bumiputera Wing, Gerawat stated that leadership qualities will be key in determining the winners.
“There are various aspects to being a good leader – be a good listener, courageous, have vision, and be able to inspire the members.
“All six are capable candidates and good leaders, except that there are less positions available than the number of candidates. I believe that it is going to be a very friendly contest, as it has been in the past,” he said.
Gerawat said it is up to the delegates to choose the best four among the six contenders for the vice-president positions in the Bumiputera wing.
