KUCHING: Contesting for the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bumiputera Wing’s vice presidency is about serving the party, not securing a ministerial position in the Sarawak government.
This was made clear by newly elected PBB vice president Datuk Len Talif Salleh today (Feb 18).
Len explained that his decision to contest was not to replace anyone but to contribute to the party’s leadership.
“I offered myself for the PBB Bumiputera Wing’s vice presidency, not because I want to be a minister. Not at all, I just want to serve the party.
“I need to clarify this because there may be certain parties trying to create the perception that ‘it is because of Datuk Len, Datuk Karim lost.’ The difference is only 18 votes. Some will say, ‘if Datuk Len did not contest, maybe Datuk Karim could have won,’” he said when met at his office in Wisma Sumber Alam.
He reiterated that the election was part of the party’s democratic process and should not be linked to state cabinet positions.
Len who is Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration, and Environment clarified that the party election results do not influence government appointments, as they remain the prerogative of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“As I have said before, the party’s decision may serve as a guide, but it is not bound by that decision.
“In the state cabinet, we have four component parties but limited positions. Therefore, we give the Premier full mandate to appoint any member from the component parties he deems best for the role,” he said.
Len, who is Kuala Rajang assemblyman, pointed out that the Premier himself had confirmed there would be no cabinet reshuffle following the PBB election.
At the 16th PBB Triennial General Meeting (TGM) last week, Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, and Len were elected as PBB’s new vice presidents in a competitive six-way race.
Ibrahim led with 910 votes, followed by Julaihi (900), Annuar (788), and Len (687).
Incumbents Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (669) and Deputy Minister of Utility and Communication Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (546) lost their seats.
