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Borneo (Sarawak)

December 15, 2025

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SIBU (Dec 15): New members of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), particularly the younger generation, must understand the party’s fundamental basis if they wish to continue its legacy for the Bumiputera community in Sarawak, said Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

The PBB vice-president said the party was not a splinter party formed out of internal division but was instead established through the awareness and sacrifice of past leaders to unite the Bumiputera community in Sarawak.

He said Malaysia’s political history showed that many parties were formed as a result of internal splits, but this was not the case with PBB, which emerged from the merger of three parties that eventually came together to form a major political force with a single objective.

“The establishment of PBB was the result of the awareness of our past leaders to unite the Bumiputera community in Sarawak, comprising the Iban, Melanau, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Malay communities under one platform of struggle.

“There was no other objective at that time except to strengthen unity among the Bumiputera community for the future of the state.

“Our leaders were willing to make sacrifices to unite the people. Therefore, those of us who continue their struggle must never allow elements of division to take root within the party,” he stressed when officiating the ‘Majlis Makan Malam Mesra PBB Sibu’ here on Sunday.

Dr Annuar, who is also Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development said differences of opinion and contests for party positions were normal, but unity must always be restored and prioritised afterwards.

“Winning and losing in party contests is a reality of political struggle.

“But in the end, we must return to unity. Unity is PBB’s greatest strength,” he said.

Dr Annuar said that as the largest component party in Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), PBB remained committed to working closely with other component parties.

“Although PBB holds many seats, we have never rejected cooperation. However, internal party unity must be strengthened first. When we are united, our strength is high and we are not easily disrupted,” he said.

He added that political unity in Sarawak was crucial as it formed the foundation for continued development in the state while enabling the government to address various current issues.

Touching on the upcoming state election, the Nangka assemblyman said the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) term would expire next year and called on all PBB members to further streamline and strengthen party machinery to ensure greater effectiveness.

He urged PBB members in Dudong, Repok, Meradong, Bawang Assan, Bukit Assek, Nangka and Pelawan to be fully prepared for the coming election.

“I believe PBB members have a strong fighting spirit to face the state election,” he said.

Dr Annuar also highlighted concerns over first-time young voters, noting that many were still unaware of their voting eligibility.

“I met many young voters and found that some did not realise they were already eligible to vote.

“Others were unaware that they no longer need to register as voters,” he explained.

According to him, young voters make up the largest voter group, and other parties have already begun campaigning to attract their support.

As such, he stressed that 2026 would be a crucial year for Sarawak and GPS.

“We must retain the leadership of the Sarawak Premier by giving him the strongest possible mandate not only to continue our development agenda but also to pursue Sarawak’s rights,” he said.