By Tedong Rantayy
Miri, Jan 18: The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Northern Zone branches have proposed that the party’s top leadership posts remain uncontested in the Triennial Delegates Conference next month.
This was among the resolutions presented by the branches to the PBB president and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during the PBB Northern Zone Delegates Meeting today.
The resolutions were formally submitted by the party’s senior vice-president, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, to address key priorities for Sarawak’s development and political stability.
In addition to the retention of the party’s top posts, the resolutions, crafted with a sense of responsibility and unity among the northern zone delegates, included the following key proposals:
- Defence of Sarawak’s special rights: Delegates called on the leadership to safeguard Sarawak’s rights under the Federal Constitution, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), and the Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report. This includes increasing Sarawak and Sabah’s parliamentary seats to 35 per cent and respecting Sarawak’s rights to its Continental Shelf.
- Political stability and unity: A commitment to maintaining PBB’s dominance as the backbone of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition and the State government for sustainable development and multicultural harmony.
- Agricultural and fisheries development: Full support was given to government plans to transform northern Sarawak into a hub for rice production, aquaculture, and fisheries, with a vision to make the state a leading exporter of agricultural products by 2030.
- Infrastructure and connectivity: A strong call for accelerated development in the northern region, including the construction of the Northern Coastal Highway and Sabah-Sarawak causeway; upgrades to Miri, Limbang, and rural airports; the development of Miri Port; and improvements to schools, clinics, and telecommunication, along with expanded access to clean water and electricity.
- Tourism expansion: Positioning the northern region as a tourism hub, leveraging its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mulu and Niah National Parks, and its diverse natural and cultural attractions.
- Affordable housing: Delegates urged the government to expand Spectra housing projects and long-term housing loan schemes to address the housing needs of the population.
- Religious harmony: Support was extended for the empowerment of religious institutions, such as the Islamic Religious Council, the Department of Islamic Affairs and the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) to maintain peaceful coexistence.
- Economic strengthening: Delegates advocated for the acquisition of Affin Bank and MASwings and emphasised the importance of strengthening the northern region as a hub for Sarawak’s oil, gas, and downstream industries.
The resolutions concluded with a reaffirmation of the delegates’ commitment to stand firmly behind the party president’s leadership and to work towards realising these goals for the benefit of Sarawak and its people. — DayakDaily
