By Karen Bong
JULAU, Nov 20: Let’s not be too hasty but steady the sails by adjusting the speed and navigating through the waves, advised Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to young people and rising young leaders in pursuing their political ambitions.
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), he said, will be introducing young leaders in the upcoming 12th Sarawak Election which was in line with the party’s continuing renewal process to maintain its legacy of excellence as the backbone of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
“This is our way to groom young leaders. But young people shouldn’t be too hasty (“terlalu gopoh”). I was young once and I know what it was like.
“But if you go too fast, just like sailing a boat, you may tumble, overturn and sink when crashing into obstacles. I saw a lot of that among my comrades. Follow the speed and navigate the waves,” he said at the earth breaking ceremony for Nanga Lasi bridge at Rh Inting here today.
Admitting that he is getting old and will one day need to step down to make way for other leaders including the young people, the PBB president spoke on the heavy responsibilities that leaders have to shoulder.
“I am 71 years old. I didn’t expect to become the chief minister but when the baton was passed to me, it is a responsibility I have to shoulder.
“There is no need to fight with one another. We have provided strong support to our top leaders just like how we did for (the late Pehin Sri) Adenan (Satem). It has always been that way (in the party).
“In my fourth year as chief minister, I have not taken leave yet,” he added.
Meanwhile, PBB will be fielding about 20 per cent new faces, most likely in semi-urban constituencies, of the 47 seats out of 82 the party will be contesting in the coming polls.
Following a PBB Supreme Council Meeting held last night to discuss election preparation works, PBB secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi however did not reveal the exact number of new candidates as the screening process is still ongoing before their candidacy can be confirmed.
He also did not touch on whether there were any incumbents dropped or on seats swapping but it was certain that three PBB incumbents — Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais in Gedong, Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan (Katibas), and Datuk Abdul Wahab Aziz (Kalaka) — had announced their decision to not seek reelection in the coming polls.
He added that there were several more PBB incumbents who have offered not to defend their seats and their intentions have been made known to the party’s Supreme Council. — DayakDaily
