‘Veeps to help state embrace digital economy’

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Julaihi (second right) with (from right) Abdul Karim, Dr Annuar and Dr Abdul Rahman at the press conference. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice presidents representing the Bumiputera wing will complement the state government’s efforts in implementing digital economy.

Towards this end, re-elected vice president Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who is Assistant Coastal Road Minister, said they would carry on the state government’s agenda to enhance road access in rural and coastal areas.

“PBB is the backbone of the state government and we can play our roles to realise the development agenda of the state government including digital economy.

“Sarawak covers a big area and our rural areas especially require more attention in terms of infrastructure development. Without road access, it would make it more difficult for us to implement our digital economy agenda,” he said at a press conference at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here yesterday.

Julaihi said “PBB is an inclusive political party and this can be reflected in its new line-up of Bumiputera vice-presidents”.

“PBB is an inclusive party whereby the age, experience and locality of our leaders are taken into account. PBB delegates and members want every Sarawakian to be represented and every voice be heard,” he said.

He added that such inclusiveness was reflected in not just the PBB Supreme Council but also at all the party’s branches.

Julaihi, who is Sebuyau assemblyman, garnered 770 votes – the highest among all contenders – in the party election on Saturday.

The other three newly-minted PBB vice presidents are Assistant Education and Technological Research Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee, who obtained 764 votes; Assistant Rural Electricity Minister Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (719 votes) and Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (698 votes). They were all present at the conference.

Dr Annuar pointed out that “age is not the limit in PBB” as he said he is young and yet got elected as a vice president.

He asserted that “PBB is the best party for you (Sarawakians) to be involved in politics so as to contribute to the development of the state”.

According to the Nangka assemblyman, PBB delegates have sent a clear message through the election of the vice presidents that they want a mix of young and veteran leaders in the line-up.

Dr Annuar thanked delegates for having the confidence in him to hold the vice president post and pledged to do his level best to strengthen the party.

Meanwhile, Dr Abdul Rahman was delighted that the election for vice presidents was conducted in a smooth manner.

He said the voting process took about half an hour while the vote counting lasted for about an hour.

“The fact that the election went on smoothly goes to show the maturity of delegates of PBB,” he added.

Dr Abdul Rahman said they would play their part to carry out development plans laid out by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg so Sarawak can achieve its vision to be a developed state by 2030.