Strong constituency parties should be maintained, says PBB veep

KUCHING: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has stressed the importance of maintaining strong parties within constituencies and cautioned against opening opportunities for other candidates.

He asserted that while seats in state assemblies or parliament are not owned by specific representatives, they are open to all eligible candidates, which could lead to instability if not managed carefully.

Abdul Karim highlighted that, unlike other parts of the world where coalition governments are formed post-elections, Malaysia’s practice, initiated during the Barisan Nasional era and continued by Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), involves pre-election decisions on candidacy.

This strategy, he argued, ensures stability and control over the electoral process within GPS.

“No one is designated to own specific electoral seats. But if we look at the component parties of GPS, they are already strong in certain areas, so why open up opportunities within us (GPS)?

“If it (traditional seats) is opened up, there’s a high possibility that we won’t be able to control the situation where larger or external parties can also contest. Currently, we can control and decide who should contest,” Abdul Karim explained.

His comments were in response to Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s recent suggestion that there should not be ‘traditional seats’ and that voters should determine their choice of candidate.

While Abdul Karim acknowledged Tiong’s point, he warned that abandoning traditional seats could lead to instability in Sarawak.

“This system has worked well for us, providing stability that translates to economic growth, good governance, and well-managed finances, making Sarawak a point of pride across Malaysia. Why disrupt this balance? With a stable system and good equilibrium, there’s no need to change it,” he added.

Abdul Karim suggested that component parties within GPS should self-evaluate, especially if they repeatedly lose in specific seats, and consider stepping aside for more capable candidates.

He noted the current effectiveness of the system, pointing out GPS’ control over 79 out of 82 seats, which span diverse populations including Dayak, Malay, Melanau and Chinese communities.

He advised that if Tiong wants to pursue his suggestion, he should bring it to the GPS Supreme Council to prevent discomfort among other party members.

“But he (Tiong) must bear in mind, the moment you feel that you want to go for an open contest which includes intruding into areas of other component parties in GPS, you are also opening up your backyard.

“If it’s to be opened up (for contesting), be prepared whether you can defend your own area or not. The party might also disappear if not careful. In the meantime, let’s work together nicely and ensure we all win in our respective places,” Abdul Karim said.