Fadillah joins PBB Youth members for a group photo at the event hosted by PBB Youth Zone 12 Sibu.
SIBU: PBB Youth Zone 12 Sibu has been tasked to come up with an action plan for the next state election.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also PBB Youth chief, stressed the importance of winning the ‘hearts and minds’ of the young people, especially in getting them to become voters.
“Such task is, in fact, given to all PBB Youth zones across the state. We have been working all this while, which is our normal activity. But this one (action plan) focuses on the election,” he told reporters after officiating at ‘Malam Mesra Pemuda PBB’ at Lake Garden here recently.
Asked on PBB’s chance of retaining the Nangka state seat, he said: “Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee, for his first term, has performed very well in terms of serving the people.”
Fadillah admitted that there were few issues but most had been resolved – among which were those on infrastructure as announced by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, and the resettlement of Kampung Datu residents.
On Kampung Datu resettlement exercise, the state government through Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had included, among other things, reconstruction of house and special offer of housing with subsidy to the affected folk.
“This is good news, especially for the voters in Kampung Nangka.
“I believe if he (Dr Annuar) were to be given another chance (to win) with a bigger majority, it would indicate the support of the people. This (in turn) will increase his confidence in working for and serving the people.”
Fadillah, who is Petra Jaya MP, cited his own experience in getting a large majority during the last general election, stating: “It was their endorsement of the previous service I had given them and they wanted more. That was why they gave me that big majority. That is how we should accept it.
“With bigger majority, our voice could be better heard. This is because when I speak in the Parliament, or when Dr Annuar speaks in the DUN (State Legislative Assembly), we are bringing the voice of that bigger majority.
“So, the leaders will have to hear and fulfil whatever requested by that big majority.”
On whether the newly-minted Sibu Barisan Nasional (BN) Youth Committee comprising of four Youth wings (PBB, SUPP, PRS and SPDP) from this division could help recapture BN seats that were lost to the opposition in the last polls, Fadillah said this was part of the strategy.
“The state BN would work with all its components in finding ways to complement and help each other.
“Ultimately, the objective is to win back whatever seats that we (BN) had lost,” said the state BN Youth chief.
Meanwhile, PBB Youth Zone 12 Sibu chairman Abdul Ghani Sulhi labelled the irresponsible quarters claiming ‘mass defection’ by PBB members here as an attempt to cause provocation.
Fadillah, when asked for his view, said the party knew who the characters were.
He assured Abdul Ghani of his support, adding: “The Sibu people are strong supporters of BN, especially in Nangka.”
In his speech, Dr Annuar wanted PBB Youth here to play a crucial role in the next state election.
He believed that with their commitment and dedication, they could contribute the victory for the party.
The event was spiced up with presentation of prizes to winners of a recent futsal challenge in Nangka, a lucky draw and a host of entertainments.
Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat and Sadong Jaya assemblyman Aidel Lariwoo were among those present.