By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 16: Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah not being re-elected as one of the four vice presidents of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is a big loss to the party, says political analyst Dato Peter Minos.
In a statement issued today, Minos praised Abdul Karim’s capabilities as the Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development, as it was under him that Sarawak reclaimed the title of ‘champion’ in the Sukma Games last year.
Minos also lauded Abdul Karim’s capacity as the Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts as he was able to turn Sarawak into a prime destination for tourists, breaking record after record in terms of tourist arrivals.
“We felt very proud of (our) Sukma success and seeing millions of tourists coming in, creating businesses, (and generating) incomes and jobs for the people.
“I must say—as a minister—he has done wonders. He is very active and has a lot of energy and initiative. Abdul Karim does a lot of good for Sarawak, and he excels in whatever he does,” he said.
Minos also added that as Abdul Karim is the assemblyman for Asajaya in Samarahan, in which Minos helms the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairmanship, he (Abdul Karim) has put effort and energy into getting things done in his constituency.
“I can tell (that) as chairman of MPKS, it is truly admirable,” he said.
Therefore, Minos questioned why Abdul Karim lost and why some PBB members did not acknowledge his contributions to Sarawak.
“Hopefully, Abdul Karim will somehow be given an appointed PBB exco post,” he said.
During the conclusion of the 16th PBB Triennial Delegates’ Conference held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today, it was reported that Abdul Karim had failed to retain his post as the party’s vice president in the Bumiputera wing.
He managed 669 votes, which placed him in fifth place where he was unable to secure a spot in one of the four vice presidential posts.
Abdul Karim acknowledged his defeat and was prepared to step down from his ministerial posts in the Sarawak Cabinet should that be the wish of Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Explaining his reasoning, Abdul Karim said that he didn’t want to ‘make things difficult’ for the Premier.
However, when asked to comment on a potential Cabinet reshuffle, Abang Johari assured that Abdul Karim will retain his ministerial posts in the Sarawak Cabinet.
He said it was his prerogative to decide who should be in the Cabinet, and Abdul Karim’s defeat in the party’s vice presidential contest would not affect the latter’s position in the Sarawak Cabinet. — DayakDaily
