PBB Central Zone proposes party leadership remains uncontested, key resolutions for S’wak’s progress

SIBU (Jan 11): Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Central Zone has proposed that the party’s current top leadership be retained, emphasising support for the leadership’s continued role in driving political stability and progress for Sarawak and Malaysia.

This proposal was one of 15 resolutions presented by the 24 Central Zone branches during the PBB Central Zone Delegates Conference at the Sibu Indoor Stadium today.

PBB Supreme Council member Safiee Ahmad, who read out the resolutions, stated that the branches are calling for the top leadership positions in the party, including the president, both deputy presidents, and the senior vice presidents, to remain uncontested.

“We, the members of PBB, express our unwavering support for the PBB president, who is also the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as well as the two Deputy Presidents and two Senior Vice Presidents, to continue leading PBB and the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) in driving political stability in Sarawak and Malaysia,” he said.

Another key resolution voiced by the delegates was the party’s full trust in its leadership to ensure Sarawak’s rights enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the 1962 Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) Report, and the Federal Constitution are upheld, as promised by the federal Unity Government.

“We, the members of PBB, are determined to ensure that PBB’s status and role remain dominant as the backbone of GPS leadership and the Sarawak government.

“We are also committed to maintaining and strengthening unity among Sarawak’s multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural people to ensure continued peace and harmony in the community,” he said.

The resolutions also underscored PBB’s support for Sarawak’s 2025 Budget, which prioritises development, welfare, and the well-being of Sarawakians.

Safiee, who is Daro assemblyman, further highlighted proposals for building more affordable housing to assist low-income youth in owning homes.

“We, the PBB members of the Central Zone, propose that the government build more affordable housing to help citizens, particularly low-income youth, own their homes.

“We also suggest that PBB would be given the priority if there is an increase of electoral constituencies in the central zone through the re-delineation of parliamentary and state constituencies,” he said.

He said this is to ensure balanced development and to address the growing number of young voters who need awareness about PBB’s fight and their role in shaping national policies.

Safiee also expressed gratitude for the RM450 million allocated in Sarawak’s 2025 Budget for the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS), which aims to alleviate the burden on low-income groups amid rising living costs, benefiting over 850,000 recipients.

“We support the Premier’s initiative to allocate RM30 million for pocket money assistance for higher education students, benefiting approximately 25,000 Sarawakian youths.

“Besides pocket money, we also welcome the allocation for book vouchers and laptop assistance for Sarawakian students pursuing higher education, with respective allocations of RM2 million and RM30.15 million,” he said.

Further proposals included support for the allocation of RM77.1 million for Sarawak’s food crop development, inland fisheries, aquaculture, livestock, and veterinary initiatives.

Safiee said this includes empowering agropreneurs with skills through agricultural training, extension services, mechanisation, and automation support, as well as strengthening the roles of the Sarawak Farmers Organization (PPNS) and Area Farmers Organizations (PPK).

Additionally, the Central Zone is pushing for increased efforts to expand the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and collaboration with private companies to strengthen food security in the state and nation.

The Sarawak government was also urged to build more Village Expansion Schemes (SPK) in the Central Zone and ensure that previously approved SPKs are implemented with updated specifications, including essential infrastructure such as embankments, roads, and drainage systems.

“We, PBB Central Zone, propose that the government expedite the process of converting Native Customary Rights (NCR) land surveys from Section 6 to Section 18 of the Sarawak Land Code.

“We also propose a review to increase the quota of District/Municipal Council members for PBB in the Central Zone, as we have many branches and many competent and eligible PBB members to take on the role of councillors.

“Lastly, we propose the creation of additional funding for sports, arts, and culture to empower youth potential.

“We also urge the government to enhance economic opportunities for youth, such as entrepreneurship, job creation, particularly in skilled fields, and incentives for innovation and community projects.

“We suggest introducing a ‘youth innovation fund’ to support youth conducting community or technology innovation projects,” he said.