KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has failed to defend his position as vice president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak’s (PBB) Bumiputera wing in the party elections held yesterday.
Abdul Karim, who is Sarawak’s tourism, creative industry and performing arts minister, secured 669 votes, placing him fifth out of six candidates. Only the four candidates with the highest votes were elected as vice presidents.
Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, a new contender for the position, received the highest number of votes at 910, followed by state Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, who successfully defended his seat with 900 votes.
The results were announced today by the Elections chairman Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah at the party’s 16th General Assembly, reported Bernama.
Meanwhile, Sarawak’s Deputy Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Annuar Rapaee, retained his position with 788 votes. Another new contender, Sarawak’s Deputy Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh secured a seat with 687 votes.
However, state Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi was unsuccessful in defending his position, obtaining only 546 votes.
PBB is divided into two wings: the Bumiputera wing, which represents the Malay/Melanau community, and the Pesaka wing, comprising the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
More than 4,000 delegates attended the three-day General Assembly, which commenced on Friday. – February 16, 2025