By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 12: While the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women’s Wing advocates for greater female representation in the upcoming Sarawak election, its candidates must also prove their ability to secure victory in their respective constituencies.
PBB Women Chief, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, emphasised that meritocracy plays a crucial role in candidate selection, which is primarily based on winnability.
“If a candidate cannot win, what’s the use?
“In a party, the final decision usually lies with the president (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg), who prioritises selecting ‘winnable’ candidates,” she said during an interview at Baitul Makmur II today, ahead of 16th PBB Convention.
She further stressed that if the goal is to increase women’s representation in politics, the priority should be ensuring that these candidates are capable of winning their respective seats.
However, she acknowledged that becoming a winnable candidate is no easy feat.
“A strong candidate must be people-friendly, committed, focused, and hardworking.
“They must also be innovative and creative in addressing challenges in their constituencies. They have to be resilient and persistent,” she added.
When asked about the possibility of female candidates in the upcoming state election, Fatimah confidently responded, “Insya-Allah, there is. Insya-Allah.”
She noted that, unlike before—when it was difficult to find willing participants—many now aspire to be candidates.
The most recent Sarawak election was held on December 18, 2021. The next State election is due by July 4, 2026, as the Sarawak Legislative Assembly’s (DUN) term lasts five years from its first sitting. — DayakDaily
