By Karen Bong and Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 18: Tupong assemblyman and Chief Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, has been appointed as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) new deputy secretary-general as the party finalised its Supreme Council line-up for the 2025–2028 term.
Premier of Sarawak and PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made the announcement after chairing the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Pre-Council Meeting that lasted past midnight at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
He stressed that while not all elected representatives are listed in the line-up, they would still be involved in the party’s internal decision-making processes.
“However, we usually have our own cultural norms. Those who are not listed but are elected representatives—we still include them in the discussions held within the Supreme Council,” he said.
Abang Johari said the composition of the new line-up was a deliberate balance between experienced veterans and new faces, especially young leaders from PBB’s Youth and Women’s wings—following constitutional amendments made to strengthen party succession planning.
“What has actually happened is that those who were elected and appointed represent a combination of experienced veterans and new faces. That’s why we amended our constitution to bring in young people. Within the party, we are always guiding the younger generation as the future successors for leadership roles,” he emphasised.
He added that nurturing new leadership is crucial, especially in today’s fast-changing political and socio-economic landscape.
“We must train our leaders—especially now when we are facing many new challenges. We need individuals who are experienced and highly knowledgeable to steer our struggle both politically and socio-economically,” he said.
Abang Johari highlighted that the party must stay ahead of global trends and technological shifts, particularly as Sarawak transitions toward a new economic model underpinned by innovation and artificial intelligence (AI).
“This is a transitional era into a new economy and a new environment, including the rise of AI. Recently, we sent our political secretary to Singapore to observe their general election,” he said.
According to him, Singapore’s use of AI in public administration is coupled with strict regulations to counter deepfakes and digital misinformation—highlighting the importance of governance in managing emerging technologies.
“We must look ahead because of advanced technologies. We need to manage and adapt ourselves to the new ways that are emerging,” he added.
Abang Johari said the party’s leadership structure must reflect this transformation by including veterans, digital-savvy leaders, and even those still adapting to the digital world.
“PBB’s leadership must include veterans, digital-savvy individuals, and even those who are not yet digitally inclined. We combine all these strengths in this transition toward the future—because PBB must remain relevant at all times,” he concluded.
The remaining line-up of PBB for the 2025-2028 term is as follows:
Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi has been appointed treasurer, with Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat as assistant treasurer. Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah will serve as information chief, while Dato Dr Philip Raja has been named assistant information chief. Senator Dato Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah takes the role as legal advisor.
Appointed as assistant secretary-generals are Datuk Hasbi Habibollah, Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali, and Datuk Hamzah Brahim from the Bumiputera Wing, along with Miro Simuh and Maurice Joannes Giri from the Pesaka Wing.
A total of 20 individuals have been appointed as Supreme Council members. From the Bumiputera Wing, they include: Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Dato Idris Buang, Dato Lukanisma Awang Sauni, Ahmad Johnie Zawawi, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Dato Dr Juanda Jaya, Azizul Annuar Adenan, Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais and Dr Dayang Nurfizawati Abang Abdul Karim.
From the Pesaka Wing, the appointed members are: Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom, Dato Dr Nuing Jeluing, Paulus Dandee Banyang, Romeo Christopher Tegong, Lesley Luyoh Akah, Wejok Tomik, Jampi Tutong, Fred Entau, Barnabas Kulor Kaoz Djunior, Patric Miden and Councillor Adison Langgar Injan.
Five representatives have been appointed to the Youth Wing Supreme Council: Anderson Lah, Sufian Mohat, Martin Ngindang Richard Mulok, Afiq Fikri Brahim, and Lykarto Sikong.
Meanwhile, five have also been appointed to the Women Wing Supreme Council: Datin Sri Angelina Ujang, Dato Sri Nancy Shukri, Umang Nangku Jabu, Datuk Rubiah Wang, and Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor. — DayakDaily
