By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Feb 11: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Vice President candidate Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has emphasised that the ongoing contest for the post is a friendly one, highlighting that all candidates have made significant contributions to the party and the State, regardless of the outcome.
“I believe those who are contesting have contributed so much to the (PBB) party and the State, so even if you lose it, doesn’t mean it is a sign of non-acceptance. That’s why I said it is a friendly contest. There’s no backstabbing of the sort.
Speaking to the reporters ahead of PBB’s 16th triennial general meeting (TGM), Abdul Karim noted that the vice president posts have been opened for competition in line with statutory requirements set by the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
“I’m very happy that there is a contest, honestly.
“This is a time for us to see the delegates to look after the party in the next three to five years,” he said.
When asked about his confidence in securing the position, Abdul Karim said he would leave the decision to the delegates.
“I’m not too worried, but then of course, once you offer yourself to contest, you would want to win,” said Abdul Karim.
He also noted that campaigning has been mild, with candidates reaching out to the delegates in a respectful manner.
“We (candidates) do call up the delegates and things like that. There will be very mild campaigning, asking for support and such. We leave it to them (delegates) on the final analysis,” he added.
Abdul Karim has been the vice president for PBB and is currently defending the position. Another Cabinet minister who is also defending PBB’s VP post is the Minister of Utilities and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, while the two deputy ministers are Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (Education and Innovation) and Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi (Utilities and Communication).
Challenger Datuk Len Talif is also a deputy minister (of Natural Resources and Urban Development), with Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki as the only candidate who is neither a minister nor deputy minister. –DayakDaily
