Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) is the most influential political party in Sarawak, and a key player in East Malaysia’s political landscape. While less visible at the national level than UMNO or DAP, PBB has long been the anchor of Sarawak’s ruling coalition and a symbol of state pride, autonomy, and stability.
Fast Facts
- Founded: 30 June 1973 (through a merger of Parti Bumiputera and Parti Pesaka)
- Founding Leaders: Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub (Parti Bumiputera), Tun Temenggong Jugah Barieng (Parti Pesaka)
- Core Ideology: Sarawak nationalism, Bumiputera rights, moderate conservatism
- Current Coalition: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS)
- Key Achievements: Longest-ruling party in Sarawak; key defender of Sarawak’s rights within the Malaysian federation
Origins: Unity for Sarawak’s Bumiputera
- Why it was formed: To unify Sarawak’s Bumiputera Muslim and Dayak communities under one political platform, particularly as the state navigated its post-Malaysia formation identity.
- Early focus: Autonomy, rural development, and maintaining Sarawak’s special status under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
- Merger: The party was born from the union of Parti Bumiputera (Malay/Melanau majority) and Parti Pesaka(Dayak-oriented), creating a united front for native Sarawakians.
From Local Power to State Dominance
- Rural stronghold: PBB built deep support in Sarawak’s interior and coastal constituencies, thanks to community outreach and development projects.
- Coalition politics: For decades, PBB was a core party within Barisan Nasional (BN) at the federal level, while maintaining near-total control in Sarawak.
- Chief Ministers: Since the 1970s, all Sarawak Chief Ministers (and now Premier) have come from PBB.
Key Leaders Through History
| Leader | Term | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub | 1973–1981 | Founding president; became Chief Minister; emphasized Islamization and education. |
| Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud | 1981–2014 | Served as Chief Minister for 33 years; oversaw major infrastructure and economic development; later became Sarawak Governor. |
| Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg | 2017–Present | Current PBB president and Sarawak Premier; champion of digital economy, MA63 rights, and Sarawak-centric governance. |
2018 Shift: Leaving Barisan Nasional
- After BN’s fall: Following the 2018 general election, where BN lost federal power, PBB and three other Sarawak parties exited BN.
- Formation of GPS: PBB helped found Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) — a new state-based coalition focused on Sarawak’s interests, free from Peninsular Malaysia’s party dynamics.
- Repositioning: GPS supports federal governments selectively but maintains independence in state affairs.
PBB’s Core Principles and Agenda
- Sarawak First: The party emphasizes autonomy, state rights, and devolution of power from the federal government.
- MA63 advocacy: PBB has been vocal in demanding that Sarawak’s original rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 be honored — including control over immigration, education, and natural resources.
- Development-oriented: Infrastructure, rural connectivity, and digital transformation have become key talking points under current leadership.