Editor’s note: The story has been updated at 4.40pm.
By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 11: Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong will relinquish his post as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) senior vice president and will not be running for any leadership post at the party’s upcoming triennial general meeting (TGM) to be held on June 16 to 19.
PBB vice president Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom is expected to be elevated to the senior vice president post, according to the nominations received from all 82 PBB branches as revealed by PBB Election officer Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah at a press conference at PBB headquarters here today.
Manyin, who is former Tebedu assemblyman and Education, Science and Technological Research Minister, emphasised that he has no regrets and will continue to be in and support PBB as politics will always be close to his heart.
“I have already informed Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah (PBB deputy president) that I will relinquish my post. So it is now up to them to pick other capable leaders.
“This is the tradition and the way the party runs. The moment you are no longer holding a position, it is more or less automatically giving way to others,” he told the press when met at PBB headquarters here today.
Even though he will be retiring from active politics, Manyin said he will continue to help the party, especially during election provided that he is still physically fit.
“I really want to say thank you to the party, past leaders and current leaders who have been supporting me and made me what I’m today. I’m very grateful to the party, members and all Sarawakians,” he added.
To the youth leaders, Manyin said they must prioritise the party, the constituents and their responsibilities as an elected member.
“If you keep these priorities, the party and yourself will be strong. You cannot be strong if the party is not strong, right?” he pointed out.
Manyin was first elected as Tebedu assemblyman in 1996, and has since held various portfolios in the Sarawak Cabinet under the leadership of previous chief ministers of Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud and Pehin Sri Adenan Satem and current Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, before indicating his intention to retire when he did not seek re-election in the 2021 Sarawak Election.
For 25 years, he has served as Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research, Minister of Urban Development and Tourism and Minister of Youth, Sports and Solidarity, among others. — DayakDaily
