This was announced by PBB deputy president Douglas Uggah Embas at a press conference yesterday, Borneo Post reported.

He said this was unanimously agreed by PBB’s top leadership and members because the “main focus now is to develop Sarawak”.

“Our focus is to find ways and means on how to develop Sarawak, and especially for the Bumiputeras to achieve a high-income economy by 2030.

“In this regard, we will focus on how to eradicate poverty, improving our infrastructure and education,” Uggah was quoted as saying by the Sarawak-based daily.

Speaking on the day before the PBB triennial convention, which started in Kuching today, the Sarawak deputy chief minister also pointed out that the unanimous decision by party members and leaders reflected the deep democratic culture in the party to ensure that it would remain strong and united.

“The party will rally behind Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg in his vision to develop Sarawak through digital economy.

“That’s why our theme for this convention, ‘Mentranformasi Sarawak Melalui Ekonomi Digital’ (Transforming Sarawak through Digital Economy), will highlight our vision to further develop Sarawak,” he said.

Also at the press conference yesterday was PBB outgoing secretary-general Stephen Rundi Utom, who said there is still a contest for the four posts of vice-president in the Bumiputera wing.

“It’s going to be a very friendly contest among the seven candidates. After all, we are all friends in the party.”

He said those who lose in the vice-president polls will still play a role by being appointed to various posts in the party.