We are thankful that the spirit of PBB from the time it was formed to the present day has not weakened. As things have changed, we, therefore, whether we like it or not, must follow the changes. What is good we take, what is bad, we leave behind.
– Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg
As Sarawak’s dominant political force, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) has remained the linchpin of the state’s political landscape. For over five decades, the party has played an instrumental role in shaping Sarawak’s development, uniting diverse ethnic and religious groups, and ensuring that the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) are upheld.
With the party set to hold its 16th Triennial General Assembly (TGA) from Feb 14-16, it is timely to examine how PBB has solidified its status as the backbone of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and the state’s governance.
What makes PBB the envy of political parties in Malaya? It’s its style of leadership and close rapport with the multi-racial and multi-religious communities. Its sustained dominance in Sarawak politics is due to its strong and capable leadership – both past and present.
Unlike political parties in Malaya that have faced internal strife and electoral defeats, PBB has successfully steered Sarawak forward by stressing political stability and pragmatic governance. Since its formation in 1973, PBB has consistently championed the interests of all Sarawakians, regardless of race or ethnicity.
The party’s success is also reflected in its governance style – shunning empty rhetoric in favour of tangible action. PBB leaders have adopted a consensus-driven approach, ensuring that policies are inclusive and beneficial to all communities.
This pragmatic leadership has allowed the party to maintain its position as Malaysia’s strongest political party, a fact that even some Malayan politicians, albeit grudgingly, acknowledge.
To understand PBB’s political structure, it is essential to delve into its origins. The party was formed on April 30, 1973, through the merger of three major political entities: Barisan Rakyat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA), Parti Negara Sarawak (PANAS), and Parti Pesaka Anak Sarawak (PESAKA).
When discussing the history of PBB, it is important to know figures such as the late Tun Datuk Patinggi Tuanku Bujang Tuanku Othman, the founder of BARJASA; the late Datuk Abang Mustapha Dato Bandar, founder of PANAS; and the late Tun Temenggong Jugah Barieng, the driving force behind PESAKA.
Each of these parties played a crucial role in Sarawak’s early political development. BARJASA, under Tuanku Bujang, and which also had the young and idealistic secretary-general Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud at that time, represented the Malay-Melanau Bumiputeras. PANAS, under Abang Mustapha, was another strong Bumiputera-based party. PESAKA, spearheaded by Jugah, represented the interests of the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
PBB’s structure is unique in Malaysian politics, consisting of two wings: the Bumiputera wing (comprising Malays and Melanaus) and the Pesaka wing (representing the Dayak communities). This dual structure ensures that all major ethnic groups in Sarawak have representation and an equal stake in the party’s leadership.
Since its inception, PBB has been instrumental in shaping Sarawak’s progress. The party’s primary goals include enhancing the socioeconomic status of Bumiputeras, safeguarding Sarawak’s rights under MA63, ensuring the welfare of all Sarawakians, promoting racial and religious harmony, and empowering youth and women in politics and governance.
These principles have guided PBB’s policies, ensuring that development is inclusive and equitable. Under its leadership, Sarawak has achieved significant economic growth, infrastructure advancements, and social stability.
PBB has seen a succession of strong leaders who have each contributed to Sarawak’s political evolution. Jugah laid the foundation for PBB’s consolidation. Tun Abdul Rahman Yakub strengthened the party’s political base. Taib Mahmud introduced the policy of ‘development politics’, stressing economic progress and modernisation.
Pehin Sri Adenan Satem reignited Sarawak’s demand for greater autonomy under MA63. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has taken Sarawak’s development to new heights, focusing on digital economy, green energy, carbon industry, and airspace spectrum rights.
Each of these leaders has played an important role in adapting the party’s strategies to the changing political landscape while ensuring continuity in governance.
As the dominant party in GPS, PBB works closely with its coalition partners – Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS), and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) – to advance the state’s interests. Unlike in the past, when Sarawak was under the Barisan Nasional (BN) umbrella, GPS now enjoys greater autonomy in decision-making, allowing it to focus solely on Sarawak’s priorities.
PBB’s commitment to unity and inclusivity is evident in its leadership structure. The party’s two deputy presidents reflect its balanced representation, with Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas representing the Pesaka wing and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan representing the Bumiputera wing.
Similarly, the party’s senior vice presidents are drawn from both wings, ensuring fair representation across ethnic groups. This model of political inclusivity has been a key factor in PBB’s enduring strength and sustenance.
Under Abang Johari’s leadership, Sarawak is well on its way to achieving developed status by 2030. The Premier’s forward-thinking policies focus on expanding the digital economy, developing green energy initiatives, enhancing infrastructure development, advancing Sarawak’s carbon industry, and strengthening Sarawak’s legal standing in Malaysia.
These initiatives will ensure that Sarawak remains economically competitive while preserving its unique cultural heritage.
PBB’s ability to unite Sarawak’s diverse communities, its commitment to Sarawak’s rights, and its focus on sustainable development has cemented its place as the most formidable political party in Malaysia.
As the party heads into its 16th TGA, it continues to set the course for Sarawak’s future, ensuring that the state remains stable, progressive and prosperous. With its unwavering leadership and strategic vision, PBB is well on track to steer Sarawak into a new era of development – one that prioritises unity, economic growth, and the well-being of all Sarawakians.
As history has shown, PBB is not just a political party; it is the very backbone of Sarawak’s continued success under Abang Johari.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune.
