He described the allegations as “baseless”, driven by jealousy over Sarawak’s rapidly growing economy, Berita Harian reported.

“Recently, there have been attempts to pit Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu leaders against each other, claiming that Awang Tengah and I are at odds.

“Poor Awang Tengah … some people are trying to drive a wedge between us,” he said at an event in Betong, Sarawak.

On Thursday, FMT quoted a source as saying the rivalry between the factions aligned with each leader has been intensifying ahead of a potential showdown that could determine the state’s future direction.

The source warned that the issue could trigger intensive political manoeuvring in the months ahead, with the next state election slated for 2026.

Abang Johari, son of the state’s first governor, Abang Openg Sapiee, commands strong support among rural voters and delegates from PBB, which he leads, according to the source.

He also has the support of the state’s civil service, having aggressively pursued infrastructure development, digital economy initiatives and autonomy over state revenue, which flows through government machinery.

Awang Tengah, who is a PBB deputy president, is seen by some as a charismatic leader, with the source saying that he also commands significant grassroots support and is an efficient administrator of state development projects.

Awang Tengah is the state’s second minister for natural resources and urban development as well as its international trade and investment minister.

PBB information chief Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah however dismissed talk of a power struggle, saying PBB’s top two leaders were not in competition with each other.

Abang Johari urged Sarawakians to be discerning when it comes to speculation spread by those seeking to disrupt the state’s political stability.

He also emphasised that Gabungan Parti Sarawak, which PBB is part of, has consistently maintained good relations not just within its own parties, but also with other component parties in the state government.