Gerald Rentap Jabu
{{short description|Malaysian politician}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = Yang Berhormat Dato
| name = Gerald Rentap Jabu
| honorific-suffix = PSBS JBK PPN ABS MLA
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| image =
| imagesize =
| caption =
| office = State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development of Sarawak
{{small|(Youth and Sport)}}
| alongside =
Ripin bin Lamat {{small|(Entrepreneur Development)}}
| governor = Abdul Taib Mahmud
Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar
| 1blankname = Chief Minister
| 1namedata = Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg
| minister = Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah
| term_start = 4 January 2022
| term_end =
| predecessor = Snowdan Lawan
{{small|(State Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports)}}
| successor =
| constituency = Layar
| office2 = Youth Chief of the
Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu
| predecessor2 = Fadillah Yusof{{Cite news|url=https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/politik/2018/02/386579/dua-sayap-pbb-dapat-bos-baharu|title=Dua sayap PBB dapat 'bos' baharu|last=Ahmad|first=Muhd Amirul Faiz|date=2018-02-09|newspaper=Berita Harian|lang=ms}}
| term_start2 = 9 February 2018
| term_end2 = 17 June 2022
| president2 = Abang Abdul Rahman Johari Abang Openg {{small|(2017-)}}
| deputy2 =
| constituency_AM3 = Layar
| assembly3 = Sarawak State Legislative
| term_start3 = 7 May 2016
| term_end1 =
| predecessor3 = Alfred Jabu Numpang
| successor3 =
| majority3 = 1,428 (2016)
2,039 (2021)
| citizenship = Malaysian
| party = Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB)
| otherparty = Barisan Nasional (BN) {{small|(-2018, allied: since 2020)}}
Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) {{small|(since 2018)}}
Perikatan Nasional (PN) {{small|(allied: since 2020)}}
| occupation =
| alma_mater =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1974|03|23}}
| birth_place = Sarawak, Malaysia
| residence =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| relations = Alfred Jabu Numpang {{small|(father)}}
Empiang Jabu {{small|(mother)}}
| spouse =
| children =
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
Gerald Rentap Jabu (born 23 March 1974),{{Cite web|url=https://tegas.org.my/2023/04/selamat-menyambut-ulang-tahun-kelahiran-yb-dato-gerald-rentap-jabu/|title=Selamat Menyambut Ulang Tahun Kelahiran, YB Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu|publisher=Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS)|last=Natasha|first=Zanalia|language=en-US|access-date=2024-11-18}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/04/141519/widows-sons-uncles-and-nephews-family-battles-sarawak-election?m=1|title=Of widows, sons, uncles and nephews: Family battles in Sarawak election {{!}} New Straits Times|last=Ram|first=B. Suresh|date=2016-04-25|website=NST Online|language=en|access-date=2024-11-18}} 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.
Early life and education
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.{{cite magazine |author= |date=November 2016 |title=Penerima Ijazah Kehormat Doktor Transformasi Komuniti Luar Bandar Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu ak Numpang |url= https://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/17029/1/Persada%20Bil.%2015%20November%202016%20Edisi%20Khas%20Konvo%202016.pdf |magazine=Persada |pp=4–7 |publisher=UNIMAS Publisher |access-date=2024-11-18}}
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.{{Cite web|url= https://gmbforum.org/speaker/the-hon-dato-gerald-rentap-jabu/ |title=The Hon. Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu: Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports)|author= |publisher=Global Muslim Business Forum |access-date=2024-11-18}} The following year, he joined the Society Atelier Sarawak and served as Treasurer until 1997.
Business career
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. From 1994 to 1995, he worked as a Licensed Dealer Representative (Corporate Dealing) at Sarawak Securities Sdn Bhd, followed by a Project Manager position at Sarawak Capital Sdn Bhd from 1995 to 1996.{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketscreener.com/insider/GERALD-RENTAP-JABU-A0U9IT/experience/|title=Experiences of Gerald Rentap Jabu: Current and past positions - MarketScreener|website=www.marketscreener.com|language=en-US|access-date=2024-11-19}}
From 1997 to 2022, he served as an Executive Director for RT Cargo Group of Companies.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rtcargo.com/RT/orgchart.htm|title=R.T. Cargo: Organization Structure|website=www.rtcargo.com|access-date=2024-11-21}} He also held the position of Non-Executive Director at Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd from 1999 to 2017{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/SARAWAK-OIL-PALMS-6492416/news/Sarawak-Oil-Palms-Berhad-Announces-Resignation-of-Encik-Gerald-Rentap-Jabu-as-Non-Independent-and-No-35199103/|title=Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad Announces Resignation of Encik Gerald Rentap Jabu as Non Independent and Non Executive Director - MarketScreener|last=MarketScreener|date=2017-02-14|website=www.marketscreener.com|language=en-US|access-date=2024-11-19}} and at PanGlobal Insurance Bhd from 2004 to 2006.
Since 1996, Jabu has been a Director of Utahol Management Sdn Bhd, a position he continues to hold today. He also served as a Board Member of Syarikat Sesco Berhad from 2005 to 2003. Since 2014, he has also been a Director of Permodalan Saberkas Berhad.
Sports organization
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. 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.
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.
Political career
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.
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.{{Cite web|url=https://dayakdaily.com/gerald-rentap-secures-second-term-in-layar-with-2039-majority/|title=Gerald Rentap secures second term in Layar with 2,039 majority|author=|date=2021-12-18|website=DayakDaily|language=en-GB|access-date=2024-11-18}} In 2018, Jabu replaced Fadillah Yusof as the Youth Chief of PBB representing the Pesaka wing.
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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.astroawani.com/berita-politik/rentap-jabu-pertahankan-kerusi-bapanya-di-dun-layar-104753|website=www.astroawani.com|title=Rentap Jabu pertahankan kerusi bapanya di DUN Layar|date=2016-05-07|access-date=2024-11-19}} He held the Youth Chief of PBB position until 2022, when he was then replaced by Miro Simoh, also from the Pesaka wing. Jabu is currently serving as one of three Pesaka wing Vice-Presidents of PBB for the 2025-2028 term.{{Cite web|last=Halim|first=Asyraf|date=2025-05-18|title=Senarai Penuh Majlis Kerja Tertinggi (MKT) PBB Sesi 2025–2028 {{!}} Suara Sarawak|url=https://suarasarawak.my/senarai-penuh-majlis-kerja-tertinggi-mkt-pbb-sesi-2025-2028/|language=ms-MY|access-date=2025-05-29}}
Deputy Minister
On December 30, 2021, Jabu was appointed Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak (Youth & Sports) within the second Abang Johari cabinet.{{Cite web|last=Pei|first=Goh Pei|date=2021-12-30|title=Abang Johari unveils new Sarawak cabinet lineup [NSTTV] {{!}} New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/12/759029/abang-johari-unveils-new-sarawak-cabinet-lineup-nsttv|website=NST Online|language=en|access-date=2025-05-27}} He took part in a hybrid swearing-in ceremony with fellow cabinet members on January 4, 2022.{{Cite news|date=2022-01-05|title=Sarawak's new cabinet sworn in virtually|url=https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2040334|work=Bernama|access-date=2025-05-28}}
Jabu has supported initiatives such as youth startup programs,{{Cite web|last=Lihan|first=Gabriel|date=2024-11-13|title=News - Ministry of Youth, Sports And Entrepreneur Development Sarawak|url=https://mysed.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/765|website=mysed.sarawak.gov.my|access-date=2025-05-29}} leadership trainings,{{Cite web|last=Toyat|first=Jude|date=2023-11-22|title=Rentap: Ministry to continue honing leadership skills of Sarawak’s youths through strategic partnerships|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/11/22/rentap-ministry-to-continue-honing-leadership-skills-of-sarawaks-youths-through-strategic-partnerships/|website=Borneo Post Online|language=en-US|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|date=2025-03-10|title=JCI Kuching Receives RM20,000 For Its Projects From Rentap {{!}} Sarawak Tribune|url=https://www.sarawaktribune.com/jci-kuching-receives-rm20000-for-its-projects-from-rentap/|language=en-US|access-date=2025-05-29}} and international exposure opportunities.{{Cite web|date=2023-11-22|title=Rancak Anjur Pelbagai Program Pembangunan Belia Sarawak {{!}} Suara Sarawak|url=https://suarasarawak.my/rancak-anjur-pelbagai-program-pembangunan-belia-sarawak/|language=ms-MY|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|last=Sim|first=Ashley|date=2025-03-10|title=Deputy Minister: Sarawak’s policy focuses on internationalising youth for global competitiveness|url=https://dayakdaily.com/deputy-minister-sarawaks-policy-focuses-on-internationalising-youth-for-global-competitiveness/|website=DayakDaily|language=en-GB|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|last=Toyat|first=Jude|date=2025-03-10|title=State govt committed to internationalising Sarawak’s youth, says Rentap|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/03/10/state-govt-committed-to-internationalising-sarawaks-youth-says-rentap/|website=Borneo Post Online|language=en-US|access-date=2025-05-29}} 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.{{Cite web|last=Gilles|first=Gerrald|date=2025-03-18|title=Pendidikan STEM: Asas Ekonomi Masa Depan Sarawak {{!}} Suara Sarawak|url=https://suarasarawak.my/pendidikan-stem-asas-ekonomi-masa-depan-sarawak/|language=ms-MY|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|last=Azhar|first=Haziq|date=2024-09-18|title=Anak muda diseru manfaat pengetahuan sains dan digital - Gerald Rentap - THE MALAYSIA PRESS|url=https://themalaysiapress.com/anak-muda-diseru-manfaat-pengetahuan-sains-dan-digital-gerald-rentap/|language=en-GB|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|last=UKASnews|title=Embrace Science & Digital Technology|url=https://premierdept.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/news_view/6727/UKAS|website=premierdept.sarawak.gov.my|publisher=News - Laman Web Jabatan Premier Sarawak|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|last=Ubam|first=Michael|date=2025-04-26|title=TVET skills key to youth success in Sarawak’s future industries, says Rentap|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/04/26/tvet-skills-key-to-youth-success-in-sarawaks-future-industries-says-rentap/|website=Borneo Post Online|language=en-US|access-date=2025-05-29}}
Jabu served as chef de mission for the Sarawak contingent at 2022 and 2024 Sukma Games.{{Cite web|date=2024-05-13|title=Sukma Sarawak: Gerald Rentap galas tanggungjawab Chef De Mission Sarawak kali kedua|url=https://stadiumastro.com/rencana/sukma-sarawak-gerald-rentap-galas-tanggungjawab-chef-de-mission-sarawak-kali-kedua-264562|website=Stadium Astro|language=ms|access-date=2025-05-29}}{{Cite web|last=Pilo|first=Wilfred|date=2024-05-09|title=Deputy Minister Rentap Gerald Jabu named chef de mission for Sarawak contingent in Sukma 2024|url=https://dayakdaily.com/deputy-minister-rentap-gerald-jabu-named-chef-de-mission-for-sarawak-contingent-in-sukma-2024/|website=DayakDaily|language=en-GB|access-date=2025-05-29}} In 2024, the Sarawak contingent won their fourth overall championship, ending a 30-year wait.{{Cite web|last=Salim|first=Faizal|date=2024-08-24|title=Sarawak's 30-year wait to win Sukma is over {{!}} New Straits Times|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2024/08/1096294/sarawaks-30-year-wait-win-sukma-over|website=NST Online|language=en|access-date=2025-05-29}} 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.{{Cite web|date=2024-08-24|title=PM Anwar: Sarawak to co-host SEA Games 2027 after SUKMA 2024 success|url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2024/08/24/pm-anwar-sarawak-to-co-host-sea-games-2027-after-sukma-2024-success/|website=The Malaysian Reserve|language=en-US|access-date=2025-05-29}} He has been promoting the organization of more national, regional, and international junior sports events in Sarawak to increase exposure opportunities for young players.{{Cite web|last=Ting|first=Tieng Hii|date=2025-04-09|title=Kementerian Belia, Sukan dan Pembangunan Usahawan berharap Sarawak dapat anjur banyak acara bertaraf antarabangsa|url=https://www.utusanborneo.com.my/2025/04/09/kementerian-belia-sukan-dan-pembangunan-usahawan-berharap-sarawak-dapat-anjur-banyak|website=www.utusanborneo.com.my|language=ms|access-date=2025-05-29}}
Jabu yielded an approval rating of 46% on an online survey conducted in early 2025 regarding ministers of Dayak ethnicity.{{Cite web|date=2025-01-04|title=Academician: Netizens’ low approval ratings for 15 out of 18 Dayak ministers, deputies ‘should serve as wake-up call’|url=https://dayakdaily.com/academician-netizens-low-approval-ratings-for-15-out-of-18-dayak-ministers-deputies-should-serve-as-wake-up-call/|website=DayakDaily|language=en-GB|access-date=2025-05-27}}
Election results
| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ Sarawak State Legislative Assembly !|Year !|Constituency !colspan=2|Candidate !|Votes !|Pct !colspan=2|Opponent(s) !|Votes !|Pct !|Ballots Cast !|Majority !|Turnout |
| rowspan="1" |2016
| rowspan="12" |Layar | rowspan="1" {{Party shading/Barisan Nasional}} | | rowspan="1" |{{nowrap|Gerald Rentap Jabu}} (PBB) | rowspan="1" style="text-align:right;" |3,931 | rowspan="1" style="text-align:right;" |61.10% | {{Party shading/Keadilan}} | | Vernon Albert Kedit (PKR) | style="text-align:right;" |2,503 | style="text-align:right;" |38.90% | rowspan="1" |6,434 | rowspan="1" |1,428 | rowspan="1" |72.38% |
| rowspan="2" |2021
| rowspan="2" {{Party shading/Gabungan Parti Sarawak}} | | rowspan="2" |Gerald Rentap Jabu (PBB) | rowspan="2" |3,891 | rowspan="2" |67.75% |bgcolor="{{United Sarawak Party/meta/shading}}" | | Isik Utau (PSB) |style="text-align:right;" |1,852 |style="text-align:right;" |32.25% | rowspan="2" |5,743 | rowspan="2" |2,039 | rowspan="2" |63.17% |
Personal life
File:Yang Berbahagia Datin Rosemarie melancarkan Biro Wanita Kampung Tengah Betong, 08 November 2023.jpg Women's Bureau]]
Jabu is married to Rosemarie Wong, and they have four children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theborneopost.com/2023/10/06/initiate-more-csr-programmes-in-rural-swak-uggah-urges-corporate-bodies/|title=Initiate more CSR programmes in rural S’wak, Uggah urges corporate bodies|last=Edward|first=Churchill|date=2023-10-06|website=Borneo Post Online|language=en-US|url-status=live|access-date=2024-11-21}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1084601181879594&id=275034166169637&set=a.290495211290199|title=Gerald Rentap Jabu DUN N36 Layar Facebook|date=20 January 2020|website=www.facebook.com|url-status=live|access-date=2024-11-21}}
Honors
- {{Flag|Malaysia}}:
- 60px Medal of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (PPN) – 2014
- {{Flag|Sarawak}}:
- 60px Member of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (ABS) – 2011
- 60px Companion of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak (JBK) – 2021
- 60px Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak (PSBS) – (Dato') 2023{{Cite web|url=https://worldofbuzz.com/malaysian-olympian-pandelela-rinong-knighted-with-dato-title/|title=Malaysian Olympian Pandelela Rinong Finally Knighted With a Dato’ Title! - WORLD OF BUZZ|last=Jamie|date=2021-10-09|website=worldofbuzz.com|language=en-US|access-date=2024-11-19}}
- Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal (Gold), in Conjunction of 60 Years Sarawak Independence Day – 2023
References
{{reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jabu, Gerald Rentap}}
Category:21st-century Malaysian politicians
Category:Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu politicians
Category:Members of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly
Category:Medallists of the Order of the Defender of the Realm
Category:Companions of the Order of the Star of Hornbill Sarawak
Category:Commanders of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak