By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Feb 11: The contest for the vice-presidential posts in Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is being viewed as a family affair, with the saying “ombak berlalu, kiambang bertaut” (despite the fight, all will get along again) reflecting the spirit of unity after the election.
This is the view of PBB Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Ibrahim Baki, one of the six candidates vying for the vice-presidential positions allocated to the Bumiputera wing in the upcoming PBB Convention.
“Win or lose, it’s not an issue because in PBB, as we always say—‘ombak berlalu, kiambang bertaut.’ After the contest, everyone will reconcile and continue working together. That is the spirit of PBB. There will be no animosity,” said Ibrahim, recalling a similar contest two terms ago when seven candidates ran for the VP posts, with only three losing.
He pointed out that after the contest, regardless of the outcome, both the winners and losers, along with their supporters, continued to show unwavering commitment to the party.
“That is the spirit of PBB. There is no desire for personal glory,” Ibrahim emphasized when speaking to the media at the PBB headquarters after the drawing of lots for candidacy numbers. Ibrahim was assigned as “Number 2.”
He said he decided to run for the vice-presidential posts following numerous calls and encouragement from his colleagues, friends, and party members.
“Initially, I didn’t have the intention, but when many colleagues and friends encouraged me and there were a significant number of nominations, I reconsidered. To avoid disappointing them, I offered myself as a candidate,” Ibrahim explained.
Ibrahim’s political journey began in 1985 when he joined the PBB Satok branch youth. By 1987, he was actively involved in PBB State Youth and went on to serve as secretary-general and vice president of PBB Youth for about 15 years. He later became a member of the Supreme Council. His involvement in PBB spans over 40 years.
Currently, Ibrahim serves as Deputy Secretary-General, Treasurer-General, and Chief Whip for the ruling coalition Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS).
When asked if he was confident of winning, Ibrahim said he would leave the decision to the delegates, whom he described as “very mature,” adding that winning or losing was not the primary concern.
“I believe the members of PBB are very mature. Winning or losing is not the issue because, as the Premier (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) always says, ‘We are not after ranks and titles. We are not seeking personal glory.’ That is why PBB is a disciplined party, one that consistently wins the seats it contests,” Ibrahim stated.
He acknowledged that if elected, the role would come with greater responsibility, and he would remain committed to the party’s struggles, listening to the voices of the members on the ground, just like every other PBB member.
For Ibrahim, the VP contest is expected to proceed in a “family spirit” without intense campaigning or negative campaigning.
In addition to his political achievements, Ibrahim is known for his legal expertise and has a strong corporate background. He has served as the chairman of several public companies and is currently the chairman and a board member of several government-linked companies, including PETRONAS and Sarawak Energy.
This contest will be an uphill task for Ibrahim who is a backbencher in Sarawak Legislative Assembly while the five other candidates he is facing are either cabinet ministers or deputy ministers.
Tourism, Performing Arts and Creative Industry Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Utilities and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Education and Invocation Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Utilities and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi are the defending candidates with challenger Datuk Len Talif also a deputy minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development. — DayakDaily
