By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 17: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) line-up for the coming 13th Sarawak Election (PRN13) should include at least 10 per cent new faces, says the party’s Information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said some degree of candidate turnover was necessary in every election, adding that retaining the same line-up without changes would not reflect well on the party or the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition.
“I believe that in every election, there will always be a certain number of candidates who are changed. At least 10 per cent must be changed.
“If there is no change, it will not look good for the party or even for GPS,” he told reporters during a press conference after officiating the Sarawak Folklore Writing Competition Awards Ceremony organised by DayakDaily at Imperial Hotel here today.
Abdul Karim, who is also Asajaya assemblyman, further said the selection of candidates was usually left to the party’s top leadership, with the need to bring in women and young people among the factors to be considered.
He said a convention or understanding existed for women and young people to make up between 10 and 30 per cent of new candidates, adding that these considerations would have to be taken into account by Sarawak Premier and GPS chairman Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Asked whether there could be seat changes involving PBB assemblymen in the coming election, Abdul Karim said the decision rested with Abang Johari as the party’s president.
“That is the prerogative of the Premier and the party. There might be changes, there might not be. But the fact is that young people will definitely be brought forward,” he said.
He also stressed that women should not be overlooked for leadership positions, saying they had proven their capabilities in various roles.
“We cannot put aside women leaders. We have to adopt the world outlook that, to lead a party, a State or a country, there must be women.
“They have been doing very well. I have many women in my ministry, and I can see that they are doing very well. Put them as leaders in the State, and they will perform,” he said. — DayakDaily
