Abang Johari (front centre) shakes hands with Jabu at the press conference. From front left are Uggah, Awang Tengah and PBB vice-president Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.
KUCHING: Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan have been appointed acting deputy presidents of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB).
Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, who chaired his first PBB supreme council meeting yesterday, said the two could only be ‘acting’ deputy presidents as the party had yet to hold its delegates conference.
“The post for one of the two deputy presidents was left vacant following Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang’s decision to relinquish the post today (yesterday),” Abang Johari told a press conference.
He pointed out that as Jabu is Uggah’s mentor, “he knows the culture of PBB as laid down by Jabu”.
Abang Johari explained that under PBB’s constitution, his appointment as Chief Minister automatically made him PBB president, vacating the other deputy president’s post for the Bumiputera wing.
He said all members had agreed for Awang Tengah to fill the post.
“He has the experience as the senior vice-president. We therefore appoint him as the acting deputy president,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the new appointments were historic for PBB as all the leaders were once PBB Youth wing members.
“This is real grooming by our leaders. With this background, I am confident that we are able to perform our task,” he said.
Abang Johari also lauded Jabu for his contributions, dedication and service to the party since being appointed deputy president in 1974.
“We, the leaders, will continue what he has done for PBB and the unity and improvements of the Bumiputeras,” he said.
He added that PBB would host a special convention in May to pay tribute to all the party’s past leaders, who formed and shaped PBB as the backbone of the state BN.