KUCHING: People should not speculate too much on the upcoming Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Conference even if they wish to see some changes at the top leadership.

The party’s deputy publicity chief Dato Peter Minos said there is unlikely to be any contests for the top posts because PBB - being the state BN backbone and biggest component of state BN cannot afford to have any problem which can affect the party’s strength.

“Many asked if top posts in PBB would be contested in the coming convention, my answer is this - PBB has its political culture of consultation and compromise in getting in leaders and PBB members are happy with that. The public should not worry as its members and delegates will faithfully follow the party’s fine culture. “PBB will not allow any leadership tussle to split the party, even if there is a contest. If anyone in the central exco (supreme council) wants to call it a day and opts out, that decision is of course respected. Do not worry of PBB. It will handle things correctly and smoothly. Sarawak cannot afford any problem or disruption in PBB,” he said yesterday.

PBB, which currently holds 35 state seats out of 71 and 14 parliamentary seats, is scheduled to hold its convention on October 18 to 20 at the Borneo Convention
Centre Kuching (BCCK).

PBB president is Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud since 1981, while the two deputy presidents are Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Several PBB leaders have been hinting there would not be major changes at the top, although some changes may be expected at some posts in the supreme council and the leadership in both Women and Youth movements due to recent appointments in the Federal Cabinet. Minos said PBB out of necessity must always be fully united and solid or else the state BN would be in big problem. “The mood in PBB now is - stay united and stay the course,” he added.

He explained that whatever PBB does, it will be always mindful of Sarawak’s interests and its people.

“You can rely on PBB on that. It is PBB’s burden and responsibility that Sarawak will remain steady and on course with its social and economic development.

“When you are a political party that people look up to for peace and stability besides leadership, you cannot afford to do it wrong. You cannot be in any problem or in trouble. You must be steady and in good stead all the way and all the time. That is how PBB positions itself.

“So trust that PBB will do right this coming convention and in the years to come... A party’s worst enemy is in fighting and internal strife as seen in some other parties. When top leaders in a party fight each other, that is the root of both downfall and demise. Better sort out things amicably and compromise rather than fighting it out and splitting the party. No use winning a post but dividing the party,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minos announced he had stepped down as chairman of PBB Opar branch, citing his persistent bone and nerve problems and the time spent in Kuala Lumpur for treatment as the reason to opt out.

He revealed that during the branch’s triennial general meeting (TGM) held at DBNA Lundu office yesterday, it was decided his deputy of six years Asiang Gihep of Kampung Selampit, Lundu will take over as the new branch chairman.

At the TGM, the branch also passed several resolutions, among them for the posts of vice president upwards not to be contested in the coming convention to maintain unity and stability in PBB and to avoid infighting, he added.

He said the branch also urged the government to speed up the completion of the long overdue Opar Rural Growth Centre (RGC) and expedite the parameter survey of native customary rights (NCR) land.

“People have been asking and enquiring about the NCR land perimeter survey. During the meeting, I also advised the new branch exco to always obey the party headquarters and top leaders’ decisions and directives,” he said.

(Source:  The Borneo Post, 26 August 2013)