KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) continues to thrive because of the longstanding unity and consensus between its Bumiputera and Pesaka Wings.
In stating this, Deputy Premier and PBB Deputy President Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that this is one of the key factors behind the success of Sarawak’s largest political party, allowing it to continue to grow and remain strong.
“As you can see, the one who leads the Youth section comes from the Pesaka wing, and the Women’s section comes from the Bumiputera wing.
“This shows that both wings work hand in hand, and we have a clear channel of cooperation.
“I, as the deputy president from” the Pesaka wing and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the deputy president, is from the Bumiputera wing. We all move in sync,” he said.
He said this during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women and Youth Wings 16th Triennial General Meetings at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today (Feb 14).
Uggah further said the unity between the two wings has never led to conflict, be it racial or religious.
“There is no issue of division or confrontation. This mutual respect and collaboration keep us strong,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of preserving this culture of unity for the future, particularly for the younger generation.
“What is very interesting is this practice is not written in our Constitution, but because this is a good practice, everyone observes, maintains, and protects it. It solidifies us as a united force,” he said.
On the transition of power, he said that the leadership of the late Tun Jugah Barieng has always been smooth, without any conflicts, disputes, or divisions.
“This uniqueness is the main factor that keeps PBB relevant and resilient in Sarawak’s political landscape, strengthening our position as the most politically stable and united state in Malaysia.
“This success is the result of PBB’s struggle, which has always been the backbone of development and unity for the people, encompassing all races, not only the Bumiputera but also the entire population of Sarawak,” he stressed.
In addition, he emphasized that the current generation must understand the history and struggle of PBB, which was founded in 1973 from the merger of the Bumiputera Party and Pesaka Party, with the main objective of fostering awareness that the indigenous community must unite under one political umbrella.
“In the early days of Sarawak’s independence, both parties often disagreed, but eventually, their leaders realized that racial unity was the key to advancing the state. The decision to merge was proven wise and has borne fruit to this day.
“For 52 years, PBB has continued to grow and become an increasingly strong party. The secret to this success lies in visionary leadership, unwavering loyalty, and justice for all layers of society,” he said.
He added that this success was also contributed to by the excellence of five PBB presidents during their respective eras, starting with the late Tun Jugah, followed by the late Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub, the late Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, then Pehin Seri Tan Sri Adenan Satem, and now Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“Under Abang Johari’s leadership, PBB continues to grow, with Sarawak undergoing a major transformation, especially in facing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), digital technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum technology, biotechnology, and autonomous vehicles.
“Politically, Abang Johari faced a new reality after the defeat of Barisan Nasional (BN) in the 14th General Election (GE14) in 2018. At the same time, the erosion of our rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) became his main focus.
“When he took over as Chief Minister in 2017, we were among the poorest states in Malaysia, with an annual income of only RM5.6 billion.
“However, with a comprehensive strategy, he succeeded in driving the state’s economic growth, achieving more than RM14 billion last year,” he explained.
He added that with efficient and visionary leadership, Abang Johari continues to prove that Sarawak is not only capable of competing but also leading the way in developing a modern and innovative state, with PBB remaining as the backbone.
