PBB Women eye slice of 17 extra seats, but leave decision to Premier

Fatimah (seated centre) photographed during a press conference after chairing the fourth Supreme Council meeting of PBB Women for the 2025–2028 session held at PBB headquarters on Feb 6, 2026.

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Feb 6: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Women’s Wing has signalled it may seek a share of the 17 additional State seats if the next election expands the assembly from 82 to 99 seats, but stressed that the decision rests entirely with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

PBB Women chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the Women’s Wing recognises its growing influence, with membership now at 181,850—nearly half of the party’s total 379,833 members—but added that negotiations on its share will be held later.

“Ultimately, it is up to the Premier. We stand fully behind him. It is his prerogative. He knows the hearts and instincts of women,” she told reporters after the fourth Supreme Council meeting of PBB Women for the 2025–2028 session held at PBB headquarters here today.

Premier Abang Johari is also the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) chairman and PBB president.

Rumours are rife that the 13th Sarawak Election (PRN13) could be held in the second half of this year, with PBB Women vowing to intensify grassroots work ahead of the polls.

Fatimah added that the meeting also reviewed last year’s activities, financial statements, and special programmes.

Among the key resolutions shared with the media:

1. The PBB Women’s Wing stands firmly behind Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg in defending the state’s rights and driving Sarawak towards achieving its economic, technological,and sustainable development goals.

2. It fully supports PBB Secretary-General Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, endorsing his call for unity, harmony and continued focus on the welfare of the people.

3. The Women’s Wing congratulated the Sarawak government on the successful takeover of Bintulu Port, describing it as a historic milestone in safeguarding the state’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

4. With the State assembly term ending in February 2027, all 82 branches and sub-branches were urged to strengthen grassroots work, maintain unity,and ensure disciplined efforts to secure a convincing victory for GPS candidates in the coming election.

— DayakDaily