Talk of PBB leadership rift recycled divisive tactic seeking to disrupt stability, says supreme council member
KUCHING (July 17): Rumours of a rift brewing between Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) top leaders has been slammed by supreme council member Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim.
According to him, the party's leadership remained strong and unwavering.
'I wish to firmly and unequivocally state: Sarawak's leadership under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) remains united, focused, and resilient,' Ahmad said in response to a Free Malaysia Today report titled 'Silent rivalry brewing in Sarawak over premiership?'.
The report citing unnamed sources claimed that PBB president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is facing a challenge from PBB deputy president Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan for the premier's post.
Ahmad pointed out that attempts to sow discord among Sarawak's leaders are nothing new.
'They are the old playbook of divisive tactics, often recycled to disrupt the harmony and stability we all have built in Sarawak,' he said.
According to him, such distractions come from those who have long misunderstood the state's culture, solidarity, and collective determination to put Sarawak first above politics and self-interests.
'Bersatu kita kuat, berpecah kita roboh (United we are strong, divided we fall),' he said.
Ahmad stated the Sarawak leadership is not dictated by sensational headlines or politically-motivated whispers from outside the state's borders.
'We all stand by the wisdom of our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the consensus of our party, and the voice of the people of Sarawak.
'Let it be known: There is no infighting; there is no rivalry; here is only focus on development, peace, prosperity, and the rights of Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63),' he stressed.
He opined the people would reject any attempts to paint Sarawak's leadership as fractured.
'Our unity is our strength. GPS remains steadfast in championing Sarawak's rights, economic empowerment, and social progress. Our Premier leads with vision and integrity, and our coalition stands behind him with loyalty and trust.'
The Council of Malaysian Senators vice president advised Sarawakians to remain calm and not be swayed by external noise.
'Let us keep our eyes on the greater mission – to uplift Sarawak for generations to come,' he said.
He also cautioned those trying to interfere in Sarawak's affairs that the majority of Sarawakians will not be distracted, divided, or derailed.
'Long live Sarawak. Long live unity,' he added.
PBB information chief Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has also dismissed the claims as unfounded.
He stressed that Sarawak politics is grounded in a culture of respect and discipline, in contrast to the political dynamics seen elsewhere.
Abdul Karim said he believed the rumours were created by those with ulterior motives to stir things up.
Related story: Info chief dismisses claims of power struggle in PBB, says ulterior motives behind rumours Abang Johari Awang Tengah Ali Hasan lead PBB rivalry
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