Young, capable leaders needed to continue PBB’s struggle — Idris

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Datuk Idris Buang

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) needs young capable leaders such as Dato Sri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib to continue the party’s struggle, said PBB supreme council member Senator Datuk Idris Buang.

Idris added that with Abu Bekir’s well-grounded political family background, he would be a natural choice to replace his brother Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib who decided not to defend the Kota Samarahan parliamentary seat in the coming general election.

“I am happy to hear that he (Abu Bekir) has declared his willingness to serve the people. He surely would be able to contribute to the people of Sarawak as an elected representative,” Idris told thesundaypost here yesterday.

He said if Abu Bekir were to be elected by the people, it would benefit the people of Kota Samarahan as he was well-connected, with good financial standing.

The eldest son of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud had told the press on the first day of Hari Raya on Tuesday that he was willing to serve the people of Sarawak if asked.

When asked, Taib commented that it was up to Abu Bekir to decide on his political future.

“Good for him, he was asked way back 10 years ago to replace me as the assemblyman of Muara Tuang, but he did not want in those days.

“So let us see how serious he is in his willingness to serve Sarawak,” Taib told the media after visiting the residence of State Assembly Speaker Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar at No. 1 Tinggian Demak here Friday night.

Taib said Abu Bekir could serve in many capacities as he was a successful corporate figure.

“I have no plans and I have not much to say in my children’s career. They have to choose what they want to do and work hard in the direction they want to go,” he said.

When asked whether he would give his blessing to Abu Bekir if he were to stand as a candidate in the coming general election, Taib replied: “My children don’t need my blessings, all they need is hard work and they have to know the people better.”

Besides Idris, PBB permanent chairman Dato Sri Mohd Asfia Awang Nassar has also come up to support Abu Bekir as a
possible candidate for Kota Samarahan, which is seen as a PBB stronghold and a part of Taib’s legacy.

Idris thanked the state BN government, especially PBB, for appointing him senator since November 2005. His second term will expire end of November.

He had been considering whether to return to practise as a criminal lawyer (his former profession) after retiring.