MIRI: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone has reaffirmed its support for the party’s current top leadership, proposing that they remain in their positions unchallenged.
At its delegates meeting here Saturday (Jan 18) PBB Senior Vice President Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom, said the delegates called for Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to continue as PBB president without contest.
Similar proposals were made for Deputy Presidents Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan who are Deputy Premiers, along with Senior Vice Presidents Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof who is Deputy Prime Minister and Rundi.
During the meeting, delegates also stressed the need to uphold Sarawak’s rights under the Federal Constitution, the State Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report.
Among the priorities highlighted were increasing Sarawak and Sabah parliamentary seats to 35 per cent of the total and ensuring Sarawak’s rights over its continental shelf are respected.
The meeting also acknowledged PBB’s pivotal role as the backbone of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the state government, attributing its leadership to the state’s political stability, unity, and sustainable development.
“Delegates expressed strong support for government initiatives to transform Northern Sarawak into an agricultural hub, with plans to develop it as a rice bowl and a centre for livestock farming and aquaculture.
“The establishment of the Sarawak Fisheries Department was also endorsed as a step towards making Sarawak a major agricultural exporter by 2030,” said Rundi.
The delegates also urged both the Sarawak and federal governments to expedite key infrastructure and development projects to transform the northern zone into a major economic hub.
Among the proposals were the construction of the Northern Coastal Highway and the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, along with upgrades to logging roads and bridges in remote areas.
Additionally, they called for the construction of a new airport in Lawas and the upgrading of airports in Miri, Limbang, and other rural areas.
Enhancing the capacity of Miri Port and improving dilapidated schools, clinics, and related facilities in rural areas were also stressed.
On the same note, they stressed the need to expand telecommunications coverage and provide clean water and electricity supply to underserved communities.
Describing these projects as potential game-changers for the development of Northern Sarawak, the delegates said the region has the potential to become a tourism hub.
They proposed leveraging Unesco-recognised sites such as Mulu National Park and Niah National Park, alongside other attractions like Usun Apau, Mount Buda, and Mount Murud, to promote eco-tourism and cultural heritage.
Recognising the growing housing concerns, the delegates urged the government to increase the number of affordable housing projects, expand the Spektra housing scheme, and allocate more funds for longhouse construction loans.
To foster religious harmony, the delegates expressed support for strengthening the roles of religious institutions such as the Islamic Religious Council, the Department of Islamic Affairs, and the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
Lastly, the delegates proposed reinforcing Northern Sarawak’s position as a key hub for oil and gas production, alongside downstream industry development.
“Therefore, we once again emphasise that we, the members of PBB Northern Zone, will always stand firmly with the leadership of the President of PBB,” Rundi added.
