Gerald Rentap Jabu

Gerald Rentap Jabu (born 23 March 1974), 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. He started his education at SMB St. Thomas, Kuching, where he graduated in 1986. He pursued his secondary education at St Bede's College in Mentone, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, graduating with a Higher School Certificate of Education in 1991. In 1993, Jabu completed his bachelor's degree, majoring in Banking and Finance, at La Trobe University also in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The following year, he joined the Atelier Society of Sarawak and served as Treasurer until 1996.

From 1997 to 2022, he served as an Executive Director for RT Cargo Group of Companies. He also held the position of Non-Executive Director at Sarawak Oil Palms Bhd from 1999 to 2017 and at PanGlobal Insurance Bhd from 2004 to 2006. In 2018, Jabu replaced Fadillah Yusof as the Youth Chief of PBB representing the Pesaka wing. He held the Youth Chief of PBB position until 2022, when he was then replaced by Miro Simoh, also from the Pesaka wing.

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. He took part in a hybrid swearing-in ceremony with fellow cabinet members on January 4, 2022.

Jabu has supported initiatives such as youth startup programs, leadership trainings, and international exposure opportunities. 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.

Jabu served as chef de mission for the Sarawak contingent at 2022 and 2024 Sukma Games. In 2024, the Sarawak contingent won their fourth overall championship, ending a 30-year wait. 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. He has been promoting the organization of more national, regional, and international junior sports events in Sarawak to increase exposure opportunities for young players.

Jabu yielded an approval rating of 46% on an online survey conducted in early 2025 regarding ministers of Dayak ethnicity.

Election results

Personal life

Jabu is married to Datin Rosemarie Wong, a Malaysian Chinese businesswoman of Sino-Iban descent with Hakka-Iban (paternal side and maternal grandfather) and Cantonese (maternal grandmother) ancestry from Limbang, and they have four children.

Honors

Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal (Gold), in Conjunction of 60 Years Sarawak Independence Day (2023)