KUCHING, Dec 7: Grooming new blood in the form of young, aspiring politicians is vital for Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), and the 12th Sarawak Election is a most opportune time to do this.
Its deputy president Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that this was why the party introduced eight young candidates this election.
Uggah told the media this after a meeting with the Spaoh Government Pensioners’ Association at his service centre in Spaoh today.
“For PBB to remain as the backbone of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government, we must build the leaders for tomorrow.
“When a leader steps down, another must step in to fill the void. So PBB will continue to grow and serve the people.
“In addition, in each new era, you will have different struggles, issues, and challenges,” he said.
Uggah also added that the country is currently facing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is a road which none of us have travelled before. So, we need to manage it, and all these experiences are very important.”
Relating his own experiences, Uggah said he has been in politics since 1986.
“I have held several posts in the Federal Cabinet. When I returned to Sarawak, I was appointed the deputy chief minister besides holding other positions, including the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairmanship.
“The experiences I have gained are extremely valuable. Being part of the State administration is not easy, especially in dealing with the pandemic.
“So, grooming new leaders is a continual, important, and integral part of PBB,” he said.
On the number of candidates offering themselves in the election, Uggah said it indicated that democracy was striving in the State.
“We welcome them all. This is going to be very interesting.
“For example, we have the Dudong seat with eight candidates. In Bukit Saban, I will face two others.”
On another matter, Uggah said he and his campaigners would abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the election set by the Election Commission (EC).
“We have seen the list of State seats where ‘ceramah’ (talks) can be held based on the SOPs, and Bukit Saban is one of them.
“Although our internet coverage is quite alright, there are areas where coverage isn’t that strong.
“So, we thank the commission for allowing us to hold the ceramah. However, we are only allowed to have not more than 150 people present, and it must end before 10pm.
“We will follow this (SOPs) to safeguard the health of everyone.” — DayakDaily
