KUCHING: There will be no reshuffle in the state Cabinet following Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) election results, says Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“There is no reshuffle, the party election has nothing to do with [Cabinet] reshuffle. We will continue as usual,” said Abang Johari, who is also PBB president.
Earlier, State Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (pic) who failed to defend his vice-president post in the party polls, said he would leave it to the Premier to decide on his Cabinet post.
“Whether the election outcome will affect my position, I will need to discuss it with the Premier.
“If the delegates have already made their decision, I will not make things difficult for him.
“I will probably have to sit down with him and see if there is a need for him to consider other possibilities, like reshuffling the Cabinet.
“I’m prepared to let go because nobody is bigger than the party and the party has decided,” he said.
Abdul Karim currently serves as Sarawak’s Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development.
At the PBB party polls, Abdul Karim garnered 669 votes, placing him fifth out of six candidates. Only four candidates with the highest votes secured the vice- president posts.
PBB is divided into two wings: the Bumiputra wing, which consists of the Malay/Melanau community, and the Pesaka wing comprising the Iban, Bidayuh, and Orang Ulu communities.
Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki, a new contender for the VP position, secured the highest votes at 910, followed by State Utility and Telecom-munications Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, who defended his position with 900 votes.
Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee also defended his position, securing 788 votes.
Another new contender, Sara-wak Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh, garnered 687 votes.
State Utility and Telecommunications Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Junaidi also failed to defend his vice-president post, receiving only 546 votes.
