DATUK SERI Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah has stated that he will defer to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg regarding his future in Sarawak’s state cabinet, following his defeat in the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) elections yesterday.
The Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts said he has offered to give up his state cabinet post following his defeat in the Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) vice-presidency election if Sarawak Premier decides to reshuffle the State Cabinet.
Karim, who is also State Minister for Youth, Sports and Entreprenuer Development Minister, said he will meet with Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to discuss this further soon.
"I respect the decision by the party delegates and accept my defeat. I am willing to step down from the State Cabinet if the Premier decides to reshuffle it in line with the party delegates decision.
"Usually, the cabinet post takes into consideration the development in the party. So, if the Premier wants, I will let go of the ministerial posts," he told reporters in the aftermath of the PBB triennial delegates conference in Kuching.
He emphasised that it was the prerogative of Abang Johari to make decisions regarding the cabinet reshuffle. "If necessary, I am prepared to step aside as no one is bigger than the party. The party has already made its decision, and I am fully prepared to respect that," he added.
Karim said he is not upset by the defeat in the party conference.
He will continue to serve in whatever capacity as decided by the Premier, he added.
Karim is known to be very vocal in speaking his mind on political and social issues relating to state and national levels.
PBB elections chairman Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah announced that Abdul Karim secured only 669 votes, placing him fifth out of six candidates vying for the vice president role. Only the top four vote-getters are granted the position of vice president within the party.
More than 4,000 delegates attended the three-day general assembly, which began on February 14. The election results marked a significant moment in PBB’s internal leadership structure, with Abdul Karim’s defeat coming as a surprise to many. - February 16, 2025
