GEDONG: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is expected to field candidates of all age groups in the coming 15th general election, says Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
The PBB vice president said this will be in tandem with the party’s aspiration to cater to all age groups in the state.
“It has always been our party’s tradition to put emphasis on all age groups. There will definitely be candidates from all age groups including incumbents to contest.
“We will have to scrutinise this. Of course, we will not field all young candidates.
“Apart from that we also have to see from the aspect of gender and try and field up to 30 per cent women candidates,” he revealed.
He was asked whether Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will field more young blood in GE15, here on Today (July 16).
Abdul Karim also made reference to the Democratic Action Party’s (DAP) recent announcement to place emphasis on young candidates for the election.
He pointed out that the move may be a way for the opposition party to portray itself as a party that fights for the rights of the youth.
“All eligible voters over the age of 18 are considered to be important. Just because we have lowered the eligible voting age to 18 from 21, now DAP is trying to portray themself as if they are a party that looks after those in the youth category,” he said.
“Personally, I see all age groups as equally important. Are they trying to say that those in the older group are not as important?”
He pointed out that young voters nowadays can be seen as being ‘very matured’ in comparison to the youths of the old days.
“They are following what is going on in politics and they can see for themselves whether the government of the day is a good government or otherwise.
“You can’t just dangle the carrot in front of them and hope they will take the bait. It’s a different time now compared to 20 years ago,” he added.
Abdul Karim also said that the youths of today have their own demands such as internet connectivity, opportunities in business and economy and job security.
“Things like that are very important to them. So if the existing government can offer them what they want, or they can give hope to the people including the youth that the government is paving the path for them to enjoy all these facilities and a brighter future, I think they will vote for the present government,” he added.
