PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will amend its constitution to replace its Annual Delegates Conference with Triennial Delegates Conference (once every three years).
A total of 710 delegates attending the 38th PBS Congress at KDCA, Sunday, unanimously passed three motions.
Other amendments include inserting into the party constitution an article to formalise the structure of the Premier Advisory Council.
The Premier Advisory Council was set up on Nov 12, 2018 and is led by Deputy President Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai.
The PBS Youth wing has also been incorporated into the party constitution.
On Nov 15, 2019, it was introduced as a movement in response to the Government’s decision to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.
A deletion of the provision that barred university and college undergraduates from joining the party was also passed.
It is line with the amendment on the Universities and University College Act 1971 which gives freedom to students on several matters.
Delegates also gave the mandate to the PBS Supreme Council to discuss the idea of cooperating with Parti Solidarity Tanah Airku (Star).
Giving the presidential keynote address, PBS Deputy President Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam said PBS remains strong despite “negative comments” that it is “an old man’s party”.
Speaking on behalf of PBS President Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, Joachim welcomed new bloods, saying they are future successors.
“Never be afraid or feel challenged with the youth’s presence. They can only strengthen the party and elevate it to greater heights.
“For the current leaders, this is the time to pass on the tools of the trade as well as proactively reach the grassroots.
“Sooner or later people will realise that PBS is consistent and a longstanding party which has the courage to fight for the rights of the State and its people,” he said.
He told those in attendance to stand firm in PBS and the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition and to never falter in voicing what is needed.
“Patience, loyalty and unity, these are the three characteristics to ensure we reach our objectives,” he added.
