Nanta: Naming Runggah as replacement to ensure continuity in capable leadership

KUCHING (March 26): Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said his move to announce Datuk Alvin Runggah Jimbun to potentially take over from him as Kapit MP is to prepare and nurture leadership talent at the grassroots level.

The Works Minister said this is part of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu’s (PBB) efforts to ensure continuity in capable leadership and to sustain development agendas.

“Our focus is on building a pool of future leaders so that the party will always have individuals ready to take on responsibilities when needed,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted.

He also said he is well aware that the selection of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) candidates rests with the top leadership of the coalition.

He said it is “common knowledge” that the final decision lies with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who is GPS chairman and PBB president.

“There is no need to explain — everyone already knows. After serving six terms as Kapit MP, I understand that the final decision remains in the hands of the party’s top leadership,” said Nanta, who is secretary-general of both GPS and PBB.

He said this in response to political analyst Prof Datuk Dr Jayum Jawan, who on Tuesday said even though Nanta had picked Runggah to take over from him as Kapit MP should he decide not to contest again, the final decision on candidates ultimately rests with the top leadership of PBB and GPS.

During a thanksgiving dinner in Kapit last weekend, Nanta announced Runggah, the Works Ministry’s special duties officer, as his potential successor as Kapit MP.

“If the time comes when I no longer contest as a parliamentary candidate for Kapit, Datuk Alvin Runggah Jimbun will be the individual who will take over that responsibility,” he said at the time.

When asked yesterday whether he plans to contest in the next state election, which is expected to be called this year, Nanta declined to comment.

Runggah is the son of the late Datuk James Jimbun Pungga, who was Kapit MP from 1986 to 1999 before he was succeeded by Nanta.

At the time of his passing in 2017 at age 77, Jimbun was the Iban Temenggong for Kuching.