RANAU: PBS Deputy President, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said all its leaders and members need to sacrifice for the party because they are fighting for the people of Sabah.
“We need to continue working hard together, united for the sake of the party and the people of Sabah. We prioritize the interests of PBS and the people of Sabah, not our own interests.
“Let us strengthen our grass roots, not because we are the oldest party in Sabah but because we are a principled, disciplined and united party,” he said, when officiating the annual meeting of Kundasang, Karanaan and Pagination divisions at the Dewan Komuniti Kg Kilimu Ranau on Saturday.
It was attended by some 500 delegates and observers.
Dr Joachim, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, recalled the party’s journey through various phases and recorded proud success in fighting for several important agendas.
Among them, he said, was the success of PBS in defending the name of the Kaamatan Festival from being renamed as “Pesta Rakyat” or People’s Festival in 1995.
“PBS also being the first party to consistently propose anti-party-hopping laws and ended the rotation of the Chief Minister by joining Barisan Nasional (BN) in 2002 for the sake of Sabah’s political stability.
“We also have been consistently voicing the issue of illegal immigrants (PATI) in Sabah as well as continue the struggle as a multi-racial party that is followed by other local parties,” he said.
He also urged all divisions and branches to continue to strengthen the membership and loyalty of PBS members as well as attract more belia and beliawanis to join the party.
“PBS is currently rejuvenating the party by highlighting the line-up of young leaders.
“Indeed, PBS has many young leaders as well as qualified and quality professionals.
“These are the ones who will be able to promote and attract more youths and professionals into the party.
“We very much welcome the entry of youths and professionals into our party,” said Joachim, who is also one of the party leader who became a registered professional in 2002.
In addition, Dr. Joachim who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing called on all PBS members to support whoever among them is nominated to represent PBS in the upcoming State and General Elections.
“We will campaign fully without division,” he said, while inviting the leadership at all levels and all members to continue moving forward with confidence and courage to continue the party’s struggle.
“Use the current political stability for us to strengthen the party’s position at the division and branch level, including in Ranau.
“This is the time for us to go into the villages more often and call out to all Sabahans that PBS will continue to defend the rights of Sabahans and at the same time, we need strong support from them,” he said.
At the same time, he said PBS is committed to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) as long as it shares the same struggle with PBS.
“We work with all GRS component parties, we respect each other and practice a transparent, fair and equitable power sharing formula in GRS,” said Dr. Joachim who is also the Head of Kundasang PBS Division.
Also present were the Vice President of PBS, Datuk Johnny Mositun; PBS Youth Leader and PBS Vice President Christoper Mandut; PBS Women’s Head with Deputy, Datin Malianah Ugau and Rosnah Ulap; PBS Assistant Secretary General, Jonnybone J. Kurum; Central PBS Working Secretary, Mesilus Roman; Head of PBS Division N.37 Karanaan, Datuk Bernard J. Dalinting; Head of PBS Division N.38 Paginatan, Arthur Sen and the leadership of their respective divisions:
Members of the Supreme Council (AMT); Exco- Exco youth movement; women and heads of departments with deputies and observers.
