KUCHING: Strong leadership and the spirit of consensus have led to Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu's (PBB) success over the years, says Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
The PBB deputy president said past and present leaders had shown unwavering commitment to the party and fairness to all.
He said leadership transition had always been smooth while grassroots leaders worked hard to take care of members on the ground.
In addition, he said the consensus between the Pesaka and Bumiputera wings was the secret of PBB's strength.
The Pesaka wing consists of non-Muslim Dayaks while the Bumiputera wing is made up of Malays and Muslim as well as non-Muslim Melanaus.
"When the Pesaka wing holds the Youth chief's post, then the Bumiputera wing will hold the Women's chief.
"Both wings have their own tracks, including a deputy president each, and there is no collision.
"So there is no issue of racial and religious confrontation. This makes us strong," he said when opening the Youth and Women's Wings' general assemblies here on Friday (Feb 14).
Uggah said this understanding between both wings was not in the party constitution but had been practised over the years.
He called on PBB members to uphold the practice and maintain the party's solidarity.
He also urged party members to stay united, respect each other and prevent internal conflicts.
"Don't raise racial issues that will divide us. Value our diversity and be fair to all," he said.
Uggah also congratulated Women's chief Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah and Youth chief Datuk Martin Ben for winning the posts uncontested.
Fatimah retained the post she has held since 2018 while Martin will succeed Miro Simuh, who served one term as Youth chief.
