The Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu Sarawak (PBB) supreme council is to meet on April 29 to decide whether the triennial party convention is to take place in September or if it should be postponed.

According to a council member, who asked not to be identified, party president Abdul Taib Mahmud will chair the meeting. The PBB is the backbone of the coalition ruling the state and Abdul Taib, the chief minister.

Council members include the party's elected representatives as well as divisional and branch leaders. They have been eagerly awaiting word on the convention which will elect SC members for the next three-year term.

The SC member said most branches would have held their meetings by the end of this month. The 62 divisions will meet soon if the convention is set for September.

The last convention in 2001 approved amendments that allow a parliamentary caucus comprising the party's elected representatives and senators - under exceptional circumstances - to determine the post of president and to decide on the choice of chief minister.

Under normal circumstances, delegates elect the president and other office bearers of the party. The amendments were approved by the Registrar of Societies in 2002.

Status quo?

PBB currently has two deputy presidents - Deputy Chief Minister Alfred Jabu, an Iban, and Housing Minister Abang Johari Tun Openg, a Malay.

The post of senior vice-president was created to accommodate Adenan Satem, then a state minister and now federal minister for natural resources and environment.

Abdul Taib has said the next chief minister will be chosen from among three party leaders - former agriculture minister Effendi Norwawi, Johari and Adenan.

The majority of the supreme council members, including treasurer Awang Tengah and state assembly speaker Awang Asfia Nassar, are said to be backing Adenan's elevation both in the party and government.

"For this reason, there will be more than the usual interest when the council meets," a political observer noted.

A postponement will mean there will be no party elections. If the status quo is retained, it can only mean that Taib does not want any split within the party when it finally holds its polls.

"It can also be interpreted to that mean people should not write off Abang Johari's chances. Who knows... it may have well been planned for him to be the eventual choice as the next chief minister," the observer noted.

"After all, it is well known that he has the backing of the federal Barsian Nasional leadership."

PBB assistant secretary-general Peter Minos, said information chief Wahab Dolah should not be regarded as "out of the running altogether".

He said Wahab's resignation from his post as assistant minister after the last state elections was "a tactical retreat".

Wahab, an engineer by training, is a Melanau businessman with substantial interests in timber and property development. He has been a strong supporter of Abdul Taib since he joined PBB.

TONY THIEN is malaysiakini's Sarawak-based stringer.