PBB To Encourage Youth Candidates To Lead - Abang Johari

KUCHING, April 19 (Bernama) -- Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will continue to create room for youth candidates to lead as part of efforts to ensure continuity of leadership and sustainable state development, its president, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said that the move to present youth candidates is in line with the state government’s aspiration that emphasises development based on innovation, digital economy and sustainable energy.

“In component parties, chances for youth currently is limited as they have much to learn from experienced leaders.

“They do have advantages in terms of energy and speed, but it needs to be balanced with experience and wisdom from leaders before them,” he said in his capacity as Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman at the media conference of the GPS convention at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCKK) here today.

Abang Johari said the combination of youth’s energy and ideas with the experience of older leaders was vital to ensure the continued party struggle and the stability of the state administration.

A balanced approach between older and new leaders is an important strategy in ensuring that the state development policy can be carried on consistently, especially as state elections are looming.

“When candidates from youths are emphasised, I hope more experienced leaders won’t complain,” he said, adding that everyone should accept the party’s decision with open hearts and continue to support efforts to strengthen the organisation.

Also, during his winding-up speech at the GPS Convention, Abang Johari Openg dismissed the perception that GPS was a kingmaker, stressing that the coalition’s role is to help ensure political stability in the country.

“We are labelled as kingmakers, but we are not kingmakers. We in GPS love Malaysia. We want Malaysia to be stable and strong,” he explained.

He also emphasised that the future of the state must continue to be determined by Sarawakians themselves, without interference from political parties outside Sarawak.

The GPS chairman also reiterated the coalition’s decision to contest all state seats in the 13th Sarawak state election as it did so previously.

“We do not want parties from outside Sarawak to interfere in Sarawak’s affairs. We already have good cooperation at the federal level.

“If Sarawak prospers, Malaysia prospers. If Sarawak’s economy is strong, Malaysia is strong - because taxes go to the federal government,” he said.

-- BERNAMA