THE strength of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) as the main pillar of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) cannot be denied, as the party which was established on April 30, 1973, has played a significant role in the development and progress of Sarawak for decades.
The spirit of unity within the party has made it one of the strongest political coalitions in Malaysia, ultimately forming GPS, consisting of PBB, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Progressive Democratic Party (PDP), and Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS).
Since its establishment, PBB’s membership has increased significantly, currently comprising 56 divisions. As of August this year, PBB’s membership stands at 452,280 persons, with 380 branches throughout Sarawak.
Meanwhile, the PBB Special Convention is held to gather party members from all areas, aiming to expose them to the efforts implemented by the Sarawak Government in enhancing the socio-economic aspects of the party in general and specifically, Sarawak.
Held in four main regions in Sarawak this year, the special convention with the theme ‘PBB: Teras Kestabilan, Kemajuan dan Kemakmuran Negeri Sarawak’ is in conjunction with the 60th anniversary of Sarawak’s independence.
The convention has already taken place in Kuching on Sept 23, followed by Betong zone tomorrow (Oct 8), and later on in Bintulu and Sibu.
In an exclusive interview with NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas cum PBB Special Convention Betong Zone organising chairman spoke in depth about the objective and significance of the convention.
NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE: What is the objective and significance of the convention?
Uggah: The objective of the convention is to brief the members on the development which is happening in Sarawak under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg that we have seen until today. We can really see how Sarawak has developed from a very poor state and now already declared as a high income region in Malaysia. There is tremendous development, so this is an opportunity for us to brief our members on the various development programmes that have been undertaken by the government, especially within the Betong zone. The members will also be briefed on Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to ensure that they understand the objective and the direction the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)-led government is taking towards 2030. For the Betong zone, it will involve members from 14 branches namely Sebuyau, Lingga, Beting Maro, Balai Ringin, Bukit Begunan, Simunjan, Engkelili, Batang Ai, Saribas, Layar, Bukit Saban, Kalaka, Krian and Kabong.
What are some of the key points that will be discussed in the convention?
There are a few issues being discussed at the resolution which will be tabled by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication cum PBB vice president Datuk Julaihi Narawi and seconded by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, who is also PBB vice president Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu. Therefore, this will be the opportunity for the 1,500 delegates to air their views on the development of the party and also the state. That’s where we hope to get feedback from our party members on issues that revolve around the development of the party. The resolution is to pledge our full support to the Premier, who is also PBB president for him to lead Sarawak to the future.
It is also to update the party members on the development projects that are being implemented, such as the Coastal Road project, Second Trunk Road project, and a number of bridges to be built. These are being implemented and ongoing, ‘bukan air liur saja’ (not just merely talks).
What role do you see this convention plays in shaping the party’s strategy?
The Premier will show the direction and explain the government policies and what he expects PBB’s role to play in the next few years. PBB has played a vital role in developing Sarawak to what it is today and it must be acknowledged, and we managed to play our role, continuing to be the backbone of GPS government because of the strength of PBB, which has very united members, disciplined and also capable leaders.
The past leaders as well as the present leaders have shown their capability to develop Sarawak. These are also important issues for us during this convention.
Then, we will chart our course for the future to face the challenges, to make sure that PBB will continue to be the backbone of the government and also Sarawak.
Among the agendas that will be presented, is it related to the new economy?
Yes, that is included in the resolution. We support the steps taken by the Premier towards new economy such as the hydrogen economy, digital economy among others. We give full support towards this as it is a game changer for Sarawak. As you know, Sarawak is the only state that introduces hydrogen and that will also be part of the message highlighted by the Premier. The state also has been recognised by the World Bank recently as a high income state in Malaysia. Therefore, PBB plays a very important role for this achievement.
What would be the focus for the youth during the convention?
We have just established PBB Belia 18/28 and we have instructed all PBB branches involved to send their representatives as we want to give them the opportunity to speak and participate in the discussion on the motion. Now, we have Youth (Pemuda), Women and Belia 18/28. They will be the future leaders of PBB so we must groom them. PBB has been successful in grooming leaders since young such as myself and the Premier who was in Pemuda since 1978. At the Belia 18/28 level, the youths are also given the chance to manage the respective branches to give them the platform to show their aspiration in leadership as the scenario now is different from the past.
Aside from Betong, they will also attend the convention to be held in Sibu and Bintulu, as we want to know their aspirations and inspirations.
