Gerald Rentap Jabu
Gerald Rentap Jabu | |
|---|---|
| State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak (Youth and Sport) | |
| Assumed office 4 January 2022 Serving with Ripin bin Lamat (Entrepreneur Development) | |
| Minister | Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah |
| Governor | Abdul Taib Mahmud Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar |
| Chief Minister | Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg |
| Preceded by | Snowdan Lawan (State Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports) |
| Constituency | Layar |
| Youth Chief of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu | |
| In office 9 February 2018 – 17 June 2022 | |
| President | Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg (2017-) |
| Preceded by | Fadillah Yusof[1] |
| Succeeded by | Miro Simoh[2] |
| Member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly for Layar | |
| Assumed office 7 May 2016 | |
| Preceded by | Alfred Jabu Numpang |
| Majority | 1,428 (2016) 2,039 (2021) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 March 1974 Sarawak, Malaysia |
| Citizenship | Malaysian |
| Political party | Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) |
| Other political affiliations | Barisan Nasional (BN) (-2018, allied: since 2020) Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) (since 2018) Perikatan Nasional (PN) (allied: since 2020) |
| Relations | Alfred Jabu Numpang (father) Empiang Jabu (mother) |
Gerald Rentap Jabu (born 23 March 1974),[3][4] is a Malaysian politician from the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), a component party of the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) coalition who has served as the State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak in charge of Youth and Sport Development in the GPS state administration under Premier Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg and Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah since January 2022. He is a Member of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Layar since May 2016.
Jabu holds a bachelor's degree from La Trobe University.[5][6]
Early life and education
[edit]Gerald Rentap Jabu was born in 1974 as the oldest of four children to Alfred Jabu anak Numpang and Empiang Jabu anak Antak, both prominent figures in Sarawak politics.[7] He started his education at SMB St. Thomas, Kuching, where he graduated in 1985. He pursued his secondary education at St Bede's College in Mentone, Victoria, Australia, graduating with a Higher School Certificate of Education in 1988. In 1993, Jabu completed his Bachelor degree, majoring in Banking and Finance, at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[5] The following year, he joined the Society Atelier Sarawak and served as Treasurer until 1997.[5]
Business career
[edit]Jabu’s career began right after graduation in 1993 as a Management Trainee at Shangri-La Properties Sdn Bhd. In the same year, he joined the Sarawak Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Council (DUBS), where he has remained a longstanding member of the organisation.[5] From 1994 to 1995, he worked as a Licensed Dealer Representative (Corporate Dealing) at Sarawak Securities Sdn Bhd,[6] followed by a Project Manager position at Sarawak Capital Sdn Bhd from 1995 to 1996.[6]
From 1997 to 2022, he served as an Executive Director for RT Cargo Group of Companies.[5][8] He also held the position of Non-Executive Director at Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd from 1999 to 2017[6][9] and at PanGlobal Insurance Bhd from 2004 to 2006.[5] Since 1996, Jabu has been a Director of Utahol Management Sdn Bhd, a position he continues to hold today.[6] He also served as a Board Member of Syarikat Sesco Berhad from 2005 to 2003.[6] Since 2014, he has also been a Director of Permodalan Saberkas Berhad.[5]
Sports organization
[edit]Jabu began his involvement in sports organizations as the Chairman of the Jet Ski Section at the Sarawak Adventure Club from 1993 to 1995. He became active in golf, serving as a Protem Member of the Sarawak Dayak Golf Association (DGA) from 2004 to 2005 and subsequently as its President from 2005 to 2012.[5] In 2013, he became Treasurer of the Sarawak Shooting Association, a position he held until 2019. He continued with the association as Vice President from 2019 to 2021.[5] Jabu served as Vice President of the Sarawak Weightlifting Association from 2015 to 2017, before being appointed its President from 2017 to 2023. Since 2018, he has been active at the national level, as Vice President of the Malaysia Weightlifting Federation.[5]
Political career
[edit]In 1996, Jabu became a Member of the Higher Council for Pergerakan Pemuda (youth wing) of the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB), beginning his deeper involvement with the party. From 2001 to 2007, he served as Vice General Secretary of Pergerakan Pemuda PBB. He then became General Secretary from 2008 to 2013. During 2009 to 2013, he also served as a Committee Member for Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (SABERKAS). By 2013, he had progressed to other roles in both PBB and SABERKAS, taking on the position of Vice Treasurer for SABERKAS and serving as Vice Chief of Pergerakan Pemuda PBB.[5]
In May 2016, Jabu won the N36 Layar State Legislative Assembly seat in the 2016 Sarawak state election, succeeding his father, Tan Sri Dr. Alfred Jabu Numpang. He defeated PKR's Vernon Albert Kedit, receiving 3,931 votes to Vernon's 2,503.[10] In 2018, Jabu replaced Fadillah Yusof as the Youth Chief of PBB representing the Pesaka wing.[1]
In December 2021, Jabu secured his second term after defeating Isik Utau from PSB. He garnered 3,891 votes to Utau’s 1,852 votes.[11] He held the Youth Chief of PBB position until 2022, when he was then replaced by Miro Simoh, also from the Pesaka wing.[2] Jabu is currently serving as one of three Pesaka wing Vice-Presidents of PBB for the 2025-2028 term.[12]
Deputy Minister
[edit]On December 30, 2021, Jabu was appointed Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports) within the second Abang Johari cabinet.[13] He took part in a hybrid swearing-in ceremony with fellow cabinet members on January 4, 2022.[14]
Jabu has supported initiatives such as youth startup programs,[15] leadership trainings,[16][17] and international exposure opportunities.[18][19][20] He has been emphasizing the importance of STEM education, digital advancements, and AI, as a strategy to ensure that young Sarawakians remain competitive in the future job market.[21][22][23][24]
Jabu served as chef de mission for the Sarawak contingent at 2022 and 2024 Sukma Games.[25][26] In 2024, the Sarawak contingent won their fourth overall championship, ending a 30-year wait.[27] The Malaysian government has chosen Sarawak to co-host the 2027 SEA Games, citing its excellent facilities and proven success in hosting the 2024 Sukma Games.[28] He has been promoting the organization of more national, regional, and international junior sports events in Sarawak to increase exposure opportunities for young players.[29]
Jabu yielded an approval rating of 46% on an online survey conducted in early 2025 regarding ministers of Dayak ethnicity.[30]
Election results
[edit]| Year | Constituency | Candidate | Votes | Pct | Opponent(s) | Votes | Pct | Ballots Cast | Majority | Turnout | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Layar | Gerald Rentap Jabu (PBB) | 3,931 | 61.10% | Vernon Albert Kedit (PKR) | 2,503 | 38.90% | 6,434 | 1,428 | 72.38% | ||
| 2021 | Gerald Rentap Jabu (PBB) | 3,891 | 67.75% | Isik Utau (PSB) | 1,852 | 32.25% | 5,743 | 2,039 | 63.17% | |||
Personal life
[edit]
Jabu is married to Rosemarie Wong, and they have four children.[31][32]
Honors
[edit]
Malaysia: 
Medal of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PPN) – 2014[5]
Sarawak: 
Member of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (ABS) – 2011[5]
Companion of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (JBK) – 2021[5]
Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PSBS) – (Dato') 2023[5][33]- Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal (Gold), in Conjunction of 60 Years Sarawak Independence Day – 2023[5]
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References
[edit]- ^ a b Ahmad, Muhd Amirul Faiz (2018-02-09). "Dua sayap PBB dapat 'bos' baharu". Berita Harian (in Malay).
- ^ a b "Newly elected PBB Youth chief says open to ideas, suggestions and constructive criticism". www.malaymail.com. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Natasha, Zanalia. "Selamat Menyambut Ulang Tahun Kelahiran, YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu". Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS). Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ Ram, B. Suresh (2016-04-25). "Of widows, sons, uncles and nephews: Family battles in Sarawak election | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "The Hon. Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu: Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports)". Global Muslim Business Forum. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ a b c d e f "Experiences of Gerald Rentap Jabu: Current and past positions - MarketScreener". www.marketscreener.com. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Penerima Ijazah Kehormat Doktor Transformasi Komuniti Luar Bandar Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu ak Numpang" (PDF). Persada. UNIMAS Publisher. November 2016. pp. 4–7. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ "R.T. Cargo: Organization Structure". www.rtcargo.com. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
- ^ MarketScreener (2017-02-14). "Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad Announces Resignation of Encik Gerald Rentap Jabu as Non Independent and Non Executive Director - MarketScreener". www.marketscreener.com. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ "Gerald Rentap secures second term in Layar with 2,039 majority". DayakDaily. 2021-12-18. Retrieved 2024-11-18.
- ^ "Rentap Jabu pertahankan kerusi bapanya di DUN Layar". www.astroawani.com. 2016-05-07. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
- ^ Halim, Asyraf (2025-05-18). "Senarai Penuh Majlis Kerja Tertinggi (MKT) PBB Sesi 2025–2028 | Suara Sarawak" (in Malay). Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Pei, Goh Pei (2021-12-30). "Abang Johari unveils new Sarawak cabinet lineup [NSTTV] | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2025-05-27.
- ^ "Sarawak's new cabinet sworn in virtually". Bernama. 2022-01-05. Retrieved 2025-05-28.
- ^ Lihan, Gabriel (2024-11-13). "News - Ministry of Youth, Sports And Entrepreneur Development Sarawak". mysed.sarawak.gov.my. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Toyat, Jude (2023-11-22). "Rentap: Ministry to continue honing leadership skills of Sarawak's youths through strategic partnerships". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "JCI Kuching Receives RM20,000 For Its Projects From Rentap | Sarawak Tribune". 2025-03-10. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "Rancak Anjur Pelbagai Program Pembangunan Belia Sarawak | Suara Sarawak" (in Malay). 2023-11-22. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Sim, Ashley (2025-03-10). "Deputy Minister: Sarawak's policy focuses on internationalising youth for global competitiveness". DayakDaily. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Toyat, Jude (2025-03-10). "State govt committed to internationalising Sarawak's youth, says Rentap". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Gilles, Gerrald (2025-03-18). "Pendidikan STEM: Asas Ekonomi Masa Depan Sarawak | Suara Sarawak" (in Malay). Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Azhar, Haziq (2024-09-18). "Anak muda diseru manfaat pengetahuan sains dan digital - Gerald Rentap - THE MALAYSIA PRESS". Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ UKASnews. "Embrace Science & Digital Technology". premierdept.sarawak.gov.my. News - Laman Web Jabatan Premier Sarawak. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Ubam, Michael (2025-04-26). "TVET skills key to youth success in Sarawak's future industries, says Rentap". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "Sukma Sarawak: Gerald Rentap galas tanggungjawab Chef De Mission Sarawak kali kedua". Stadium Astro (in Malay). 2024-05-13. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Pilo, Wilfred (2024-05-09). "Deputy Minister Rentap Gerald Jabu named chef de mission for Sarawak contingent in Sukma 2024". DayakDaily. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Salim, Faizal (2024-08-24). "Sarawak's 30-year wait to win Sukma is over | New Straits Times". NST Online. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "PM Anwar: Sarawak to co-host SEA Games 2027 after SUKMA 2024 success". The Malaysian Reserve. 2024-08-24. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ Ting, Tieng Hii (2025-04-09). "Kementerian Belia, Sukan dan Pembangunan Usahawan berharap Sarawak dapat anjur banyak acara bertaraf antarabangsa". www.utusanborneo.com.my (in Malay). Retrieved 2025-05-29.
- ^ "Academician: Netizens' low approval ratings for 15 out of 18 Dayak ministers, deputies 'should serve as wake-up call'". DayakDaily. 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2025-05-27.
- ^ Edward, Churchill (2023-10-06). "Initiate more CSR programmes in rural S'wak, Uggah urges corporate bodies". Borneo Post Online. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Gerald Rentap Jabu DUN N36 Layar Facebook". www.facebook.com. 20 January 2020. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Jamie (2021-10-09). "Malaysian Olympian Pandelela Rinong Finally Knighted With a Dato' Title! - WORLD OF BUZZ". worldofbuzz.com. Retrieved 2024-11-19.