Abang Johari (centre) with other PBB leaders at the launch. Also seen are deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas (third right) and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (third left). From left are Fadillah and Empiang. — Photos by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is ‘unique and extraordinary’ given its smooth succession of leadership since Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s time.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is PBB president, said the party had always been strong and never went through internal struggles whenever there was a change of leadership.
However, he was quick to point out that this might not be the case with other political parties.
“Tun Taib (former chief minister and now Head of State) passed the baton to Pehin Sri Adenan Satem. We gave our full support to Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“When Pehin Sri Adenan Satem passed away (on Jan 11 last year), all in PBB entrusted me to be the new captain. We did not fight one another or within the party.
“This is unique because if it were other political party, they would fight among themselves. But our party is cultured and has no problem, not just in the top leadership but also in the grassroots level,” he said when launching PBB Zone 4 meeting at Islamic Complex Hall here yesterday.
PBB Zone 4 comprises six branches, namely Sadong Jaya, Simunjan, Gedong, Sebuyau, Lingga and Beting Maro.
Abang Johari was delighted that PBB Youth and Women chiefs Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, respectively, had decided to step down to pave way for the young ones to take over.
“In PBB, we have the understanding and are willing to give way and groom young leaders.”
Abang Johari added that PBB must continue to remain strong and serve as the backbone of the state Barisan Nasional (BN), in bringing about more development to Sarawak.