PBB leadership should consider party’s future post-Johari, say analysts

 

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg’s recent remark that this could be his “last time” as Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) president signals the need for the party to plan for a leadership succession.

Citing his age, the 76-year-old PBB president said at a party event last month that leadership succession is a natural process, and that the party must continuously prepare and groom younger members to take over.

Analysts said this did not necessarily mean Abang Johari would not contest in the next state election or be re-elected as Premier, but they warranted a discussion on potential successors.

Universiti Malaya sociopolitical analyst Prof Datuk Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said several leaders could be in the running given their positions in the state and Federal governments.

Among them are Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who are also PBB deputy presidents.

Awang Azman said Awang Tengah’s position within PBB’s Bumiputera wing made him a contender, while Uggah had extensive experience in administration and Dayak community leadership.

He also identified Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, a PBB senior vice-president, as a potential candidate given his experience in the Federal Government.

“However, the positions of PBB president and Sarawak Premier do not necessarily follow the same succession process.

“The party presidency is determined through PBB’s internal processes, while the appointment of the Premier depends on the support of a majority of state assemblymen and the state’s ­constitutional procedures,” he said.

The balance between PBB’s Bumiputera and Pesaka wings, support from Gabungan Parti Sarawak component parties, grassroots acceptance and continuity in development policies would also influence the process, he added.

Awang Azman said the upcoming state election would centre on renewing the people’s mandate for GPS and preparing for a leadership transition.

“The main challenge for PBB and GPS is not merely to maintain policy continuity, but also to build a new generation of leaders capable of taking Sarawak beyond the Abang Johari era without compromising political stability or harmony among its multi-ethnic communities,” he said.

“The Sarawak Premier himself has emphasised the importance of rejuvenating the leadership, while PBB information chief Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has said that at least 10% of candidates would be new faces. More young leaders from Saberkas (Sarawak United National Youth Organisation) are also being considered.”

Meanwhile, Ilham Centre executive director Hisommudin Bakar said Abang Johari’s remarks had opened up discussions about potential successors but did not establish a timeline for a transition in the premiership.

“Stability and acceptance among the leadership will be the key considerations,” he added.

However, Hisommudin said the positions of PBB president and Sarawak Premier should not be viewed as passing automatically from one person to another.

“Ultimately, whoever takes over will need to secure the confidence of PBB’s leadership and the support of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) component parties.

“This is why Awang Tengah has a clear advantage in terms of his position in the party hierarchy and his experience, although the final decision will depend on political consensus when the time comes,” he said. - Star