In a surprise announcement Saturday, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg said that long-time party leader Alfred Jabu Numpang would be stepping down as PBB deputy president.

Abang Johari had said he was only informed of Jabu’s decision at the party’s supreme council meeting.

Empiang, 72, said she was also taken aback by her husband’s move.

“Well, I was surprised at his decision. But it was a good decision as he is no longer directly or actively involved in politics, and he is giving way to the younger people who are already in the cabinet,” Empiang said.

“I am very happy about that because the transfer of power has been done very smoothly and it’s supported by all the supreme council members of PBB,” she said.

“But, as Tan Sri Jabu had said, even though he is no longer the deputy chief minister, he is still very much a PBB man who will be around to help the party in whatever capacity he can,” she added.

When asked if she will follow her husband’s footsteps she replied, that she would but declined to indicate when, saying instead the timing will be left to the party president to decide.

Meanwhile, Empiang said that leaders at PBB’s women’s wing have discussed potential candidates, of both genders, to contest the upcoming Tanjung Datu by-election.

“There are a few names being considered, but the choice we leave it to our chief minister and the party leaders.”

“PBB Wanita has not officially submitted any names, but we have discussed it among ourselves.”

“But it is our hope (that the candidate is a woman). We need more female elected representatives,” she said.

The nomination day for the Tanjung Datu by-election will take place on Feb 4, with polling date set for Feb 18. The seat fell vacant following the death of former Sarawak chief minister Adenan Satem.