PBB likely to field 10 new faces

Taib does not deny the possibility of dropping 10 incumbents in next state election

IMPRESSIVE: Taib (third right) is briefed on robotic technology. Jabu is at left, while Baharudin is at second left. — Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) will likely field 10 new candidates in the coming state election.

PBB president and Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud did not deny the possibility when asked about the party’s latest developments for the election.

“If you (the media) say 10 are going to be replaced, then the preparations (for the state election) have to be quite advanced,” Taib told the media after launching the Sarawak Foundry and Engineering Industry Association Building and Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak at the Demak Laut Industrial Estate Phase II yesterday.

During the PBB convention last March, Taib had said the party would have at least 30 per cent new faces for the coming election.

Based on PBB’s allocation of 35 seats in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN), 30 per cent of that figure would translate into at least 10 new candidates.

Taib also announced during the convention that three former assistant ministers who were

dropped from the state cabinet last December — Datuk Hamden Ahmad, Datuk Bolhassan Di and Datuk Ambrose Blikau Enturan — had hinted they would also not seek re-election.

Sadong Jaya assemblyman Datuk Wan Wahab Wan Sanusi confirmed in his debate during the recent DUN sitting that he would not defend his seat in the coming election.

Others rumoured to be giving way to new blood are Saribas assemblyman Dr Wahbi Junaidi, Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri and Kedup assemblyman Frederick Bayoi Manggie.

A PBB insider said the other three names were still unknown, but added that Taib was likely to make an announcement soon.

“It is a known fact that the party has always stressed the importance of revitalising itself by injecting new blood especially with the youth to continue strengthening the party,” said the source.

PBB won all its 35 seats during the state election in May 2006.

Among those present at yesterday’s function were Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, Minister in the Chief Minister’s Office Datin Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Foundry and Engineering Industries Association chairman Datuk Kho Kak Beng as well as Automotive and Welding Institute of Sarawak managing director Baharudin Abdullah.