Newly-minted PBB Youth chief Rentap says has ‘big shoe to fill’

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Gerald Rentap Jabu

KUCHING: The newly-minted PBB Youth chief Gerald Rentap Jabu describes his new position as ‘a big shoe to fill’ from outgoing chief Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

However, he said the wing would work as a team to ensure that Barisan Nasional (BN) would win big in the coming general election.

“I’m going to fill a big shoe left behind by Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusoh after leading Pemuda for more than 10 years.

“Our first task now is to win as many seats as possible in the upcoming general election for the state BN,” Rentap told the media after his unanimous nomination as the new Youth chief at PBB headquarters here yesterday.

For the long-term plan, Rentap, who is also Layar assemblyman, said he would lead the youth to focus on digital economy as envisioned by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to further develop the state.

“As the Youth wing, we must look for opportunities in the digital economy as it’s the only way for us to move forward in terms of social-economic benefits not only for the youths but also for the senior members as this is the new thing coming up, and we must be ready for it.”

Rentap added that as a leader of the state BN Youth, he would lead his team through consensus among the four component parties, namely SUPP, PRS and PDP Youth leaders.

“We have very close relationships with youth leaders from other BN component parties. Consensus is what we focus on now,” he said.

His vision for the movement would be to ensure that it has a good working relationship with all strata of society.

“We must have grassroots support and networking at all levels of state and federal ministries and agencies on ways they can assist the people,” he said.

Rentap, 47, said that PBB politics has always been in his DNA. It runs deep in his blood as both his parents are prominent PBB leaders.

“To me its hidup dan mati (live and die) with the PBB leadership. That’s number one. Secondly, to give the best service to the people. That much how I can see myself. Beyond that it’s all about networking, friendship and solidarity. Above all, we are brothers in Pemuda,” he said, adding that he was recruited into the wing by the late Tan Sri Celestine Ujang in 1995.

Assisting Rentap in the new line-up will be Miro Simuh and Fazzruddin Abdul Rahman as deputies. Its vice chiefs are Aidel Lariwoo, Leonard Jambu and Richard Silo Rugu.

Meanwhile, the 13 supreme council members of PBB Youth (Bumiputera) are: Kasdi Pandi, Moliadi Ahmad, Shopiee Shariee, Reza-Rizvy Ahmad Rony Assim, Royston Valentine, Abdul Ghani Sulhi, Abang Mohammad Hafiq Abang Kassim, Mohammad Tazullah Khan, Mostaffa Yussof, Azizul Annuar Adenan, Basirun Jamali, Mohammad Alsaqaf Mohd Jaafar and Dzamaluddin Zainudin.

The 12 supreme council members from the Pesaka wing are:Jawan Nyaun, Bonie Aling, Judson Jarrau, Stephen Ausgtine Lateng, Zully Ambrose Blikau, Malcolm Layang Jimbun, Patric Jebeng, Damen Rejek, Joseph Majid, Usat Bilong, Dominic Nyurang Ajang and Donny Dian Talik.