Malay traders federation elects new officers
By Rosli Abidin Yahya

The PPPMB meeting in progress shows from left, Pg Seruji, the new deputy president, Dr Hj Abdul Latiff, the incumbent president, Hj Hambali the retired permanent chairman and Hj Osman Omar, the incumbent deputy president

The incumbent president of Persekutuan Peniaga-Peniaga Melayu Brunei (PPPMB) Dr Hj Abdul Latiff bin Chuchu received another five-year mandate from members to lead the federation at its annual general meeting last Sunday. Dr Hj Abdul Latiff had earlier voiced out various plans for the next five years in office including the vision for PPPMB to have its own commercial building.

"It is time for the federation to be economically successful such as to construct its own commercial building which will be financed by its members. The federation will also organise the 3rd Pertemuan Usahawan (Businessmen Summit) which will be a follow-up of the previous two," he said.

By owning its own building, the federation will be following the footsteps of Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry who has also intended to construct its own building.

Earlier, Dr Hj Abdul Latiff had wished to retire from the federation. However, when he thought he could do more towards the betterment of Brunei Malay entrepreneurs, he withdrew his intention.

"Owning its own building will be the dream where the accumulated reserve shall be divided amongst participating members," he said adding that it is time for the federation to think commercially and proactive.

Observers at the AGM said Dr Hj Abdul Latiff has been the single unifying factor in the federation especially when he mentioned the need for significant economic, technological and social changes if the association is to go forward.

"Because of the dynamics of the market in which we operate, good leadership is a vital factor. Leadership is a vital component of bringing out the best in people and their organisations. Good leaders inspire others to achieve their full potential in this era of globalisation, electronic economy and trade liberalisation," they said.

At the AGM, members also elected four new deputy presidents; Pg Shahminan Pg Hj Ismail, Hj Osman Hj Omar, Hj Ismail Damit and Pg Seruji Pg Hj Damit.

Hj Ilmi Hj Ghafar is the new sectary general while Hj Johari Pehin Hj Omar is the new deputy secretary general.

Hazaman Hj Abdullah stayed as treasurer-general. The members also elected several secretaries in national and international trade, economy and welfare.

The election of new committee members was said to be a little bit heated. The friendly exchanges of fiery words were only a demonstration of eagerness and patriotism of members vying for positions in the committee, it was observed.

The members were merely showing patriotism which concerns the spirit, emotion and the love for their association, an observer said.

"They were merely demonstrating their desires, determination, confidence and courage to work for the betterment of the Malay entrepreneurs.

"Furthermore the members were looking forward to be part of the leadership quality led by Dr Hj Abdul Latiff who revealed his future plans and visions of the federation at the AGM," they said.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin