By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Feb 13: The absence of a contest for the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Pesaka Wing’s Vice President (VP) positions should not be seen as undemocratic, says Datuk Gerawat Gala.
Gerawat, who is the Deputy Minister in Sarawak’s Premier Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), emphasised that consensus in leadership selection is also a democratic process and a sign of party maturity.
“For the Pesaka Wing, we (members) have reached a consensus, as has been done in the past, to retain the current incumbents of the three VPs.
“To me, this does not mean the (election) process is undemocratic,” said Gerawat when met by reporters at his office in Baitulmakmur I earlier today.
To him, consensus is also a form of democracy, as decisions made collectively by members reflect their agreement. He noted that even if a vote were held, the outcome would likely remain the same.
He explained that political parties, by law, are required to go through leadership renewals, whether through elections or consensus.
“No contest can be a good thing because it ensures continuity and allows party members to focus on their responsibilities rather than campaigning and politicking.
“It shows that members are mature, they know who they want as their leaders, and they share the same vision for the party’s future,” said Gerawat.
Gerawat also highlighted PBB’s long-standing culture of unity, which he said has kept the party strong despite facing various political challenges throughout the years.
“PBB has remained a very strong, stable, and united party all these years, and that is why we have been a stabilising factor at both the State and federal levels.” –DayakDaily
