By Jacintha Jolene & Annabelle Naja Tommy
SAMARAHAN: The renomination of MPs from Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) for the 15th General Election (GE15) is at the discretion of Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is also the PBB president.
Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang was asked to comment on Abang Johari’s recent statement that there were PBB MPs who had expressed their intentions not to contest in GE15.
“PBB has always taken a positive view of the proposals or selections made by the party based on the suitability or current developments, including the issue of resignations.
“It is up to the Premier to choose the MPs who can be renominated or replaced because we need a strong and stable line of MPs to bring the voice of the people to the federal level.
“So we may need a line-up of young, energetic MPs and there are many other aspects to consider.
“Therefore, we respect the decision that will be made by Abang Johari as the party president and head of the Sarawak government.”
Rubiah was speaking to the media after a ceremony to present financial aid to flood-affected families at the Samarahan Civic Centre here today.
When asked whether or not PBB would field a young candidate, she said this was most likely to happen but she could not predict so as all MPs had been performing their duties well.
“For me, the 18 Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) MPs have played an active role and have always identified issues that needed to be resolved.”
PBB has 13 MPs and they are Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (Santubong), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (Petra Jaya), Rubiah Wang (Kota Samarahan), Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri (Batang Sadong), Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim (Batang Lupar), Ahmad Johnie Zawawi (Igan), Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib (Mukah), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (Kapit), Lukanisman Awang Sauni (Sibuti), Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat (Betong), Yusuf Abdul Wahab (Tanjung Manis), Datuk Henry Sum Agong (Lawas) and Datuk Hasbi Habibollah (Limbang).
