BY ALEXANDRA LORNA and AMYRA VARKISA
SIBU: The unwavering commitment and determination of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will continue to serve as a vital foundation for safeguarding Sarawak’s rights and interests.
In stating this Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the dedication of PBB members is essential in driving Sarawak’s development.
“Leaders may come and go. The same applies to me, as I am now 74-years-old and will eventually step down. However, I want to leave PBB as a strong party.
“Without PBB, many might not fully understand what has transpired in Sarawak. I want to emphasise that our future must be safeguarded, and this depends on the commitment and determination of its members.
“Therefore, I want PBB’s future generations to excel and possess skills, particularly in the fields of science and new technology, to enable Sarawak to compete on the global stage,” he said.
Abang Johari, who is also the President of PBB, said this in his speech at the PBB Central Zone Delegates Conference held at the Sibu Indoor Stadium on Saturday (Jan 11).
Reflecting on the seamless leadership transition within PBB, from the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud to the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem, and now to himself, Abang Johari shared his hope that the future leaders will continue to uphold the party’s legacy of excellence.
“The question of whether PBB can continue its efforts for the future lies in the hands of all PBB members.
“We, the current leaders, are aging. While we still have energy, our vigour has begun to wane. Has PBB prepared a strong leadership succession? After me, will there be issues?
“No. Alhamdulillah, the answer is no, because PBB has always focused on success and the future of Sarawak as a united team,” he said.
He also mentioned that one of the initiatives to develop exceptional future leaders is the creation of the PBB Youth wing, designed to carry on the party’s work and preserve its accomplishments in the changing political environment.
Furthermore, he reiterated PBB’s dedication to defending the sovereignty of Sarawak’s Constitution, particularly its entrenched rights, including those related to the continental shelf and the regulation of oil and gas extraction.
“Federalism is not only a political concept but also involves the division of powers. The Malaysian Constitution clearly delineates these powers under the Ninth Schedule, Third List, and Second List.
“Land is under the state’s jurisdiction, and thus, all industries located on our land, including the continental shelf, are our rights. This is clearly stated in Sarawak’s Constitution under Article 47 regarding property ownership.
“This is also enshrined in the Boundary Alteration Order issued by Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, which expanded Sarawak’s boundaries to include the continental shelf area based on the Colonial Boundaries Act 1895,” he said.
Therefore, Abang Johari said PBB will continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable development for a bright future for Sarawak through visionary and dedicated leadership.
