By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 5: Delegates at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) the 2023 Sibu Zone Special Convention today unanimously passed eight resolutions and six additional resolutions.
“We, the members of PBB, wholeheartedly support PBB president and Premier of Sarawak YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg to continue leading PBB and GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) to ensure political stability in Sarawak and Malaysia.
“We fully entrust the leadership of PBB and GPS to safeguard the rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63),” said PBB vice president-cum-PBB Nangka branch chief Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, articulating the first two resolutions in his speech during the officiating ceremony for the special convention.
Dr Annuar, who is also Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak Deputy Minister, noted the third resolution expressed support for PBB and GPS in their pursuit of forming a Unity Government at the federal level, emphasising the need for cooperation and due respect from federal leaders in championing Sarawak’s rights and interests.
The fourth resolution reaffirmed PBB’s commitment to maintaining its dominant position as the backbone of GPS leadership and the Sarawak government.
“We, members of PBB, also remind GPS component parties to refer any decisions that may jeopardise the spirit of unity, understanding, and stability within GPS to the appropriate channels.
“Decisions taken should be made in accordance with negotiations and obtaining the agreement of PBB and other component parties,” Dr Annuar said, stating the fifth resolution.
The sixth resolution outlined Sarawak’s goal of becoming a high-income state by 2030, as guided by the Post-Covid-19 Strategic Plan 2030 (PCDS 2030).
The seventh resolution expressed complete support for the New Economic Policy centred on Green and Hydrogen Economies, reflecting the Premier’s initiatives to transform Sarawak’s economy based on legislation that has been signed and matters that are enshrined in Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Inter-Govermental Committee (IGC) Report, and in the State Constitution of Sarawak, which is in line with the Unity Government Memorandum of Understanding signed on Dec 16, 2022.
The eighth resolution emphasised the significance of maintaining and strengthening unity among Sarawak’s diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural communities in order to ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
Meanwhile, as for the six additional resolutions of the PBB Central Zone Convention, the delegates proposed that Sarawak’s 2024 Budget maintain up to a 70 per cent allocation for development, of which 60 per cent will be for infrastructure development and basic facilities in rural areas, in order to continue prioritising the development, well-being, and welfare of the people of Sarawak.
“We, members of PBB in the Central Zone area, support that, in addition to increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies in Sarawak, as previously suggested, the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) areas should be expanded to accommodate increased population and voters while ensuring well-being and equitable development.
“We, members of PBB, support the wishes of YAB Premier to provide free education to the children of Sarawak studying in the higher education institutions owned by the Sarawak government. This is because education is a very important aspect to produce quality human resources to reach the level of a developed State.
“We, members of PBB, propose that the government enhance efforts in developing and empowering the agricultural sector, specifically in rural areas, to ensure food security in this State and country can be achieved in addition to increasing socio-economics of people in rural areas,” Dr Annuar said, outlining the second, third, and fourth resolutions.
The fifth additional resolution states that the PBB members are grateful for and appreciate the Sarawak government’s initiative, led by the Premier, in channelling deposit assistance of RM 10,000 for affordable home deposits for first-time home buyers.
“Here, we also propose that the government build more affordable houses for helping the people own their own homes, especially young people.”
For the sixth additional resolution, the PBB delegates proposed that the Sarawak government build more Village Expansion Schemes (SPK) in the Central Zone to assist people in building houses complete with the necessary infrastructure. — DayakDaily
