Kota Kinabalu: Acting Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has called on Sabahans, including the Chinese community, to continue supporting the the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah -led (GRS) State Government to ensure sustained political stability and development.
The Deputy Chief Minister II in a statement highlighted that the administration has achieved significant progress through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan and believes that further advancements can be realised with continued unity and support.
Dr Joachim expressed optimism that with political stability, Sabah could emulate Sarawak’s development trajectory.
“Like many Sabahans, GRS leadership also hopes to follow in Sarawak’s footsteps in terms of stability and progress,” he said at the PBS Chinese New Year Dinner 2025 at Hakka Hall here Wednesday."
He stressed that GRS focuses on governance and improving the quality of life for all Sabahans, regardless of race.
“We are trying to improve the quality of life for the whole of Sabah. That is the core mission of GRS,” he said.
Dr Joachim pointed out that Sarawak has enjoyed consistent leadership since Malaysia’s formation, allowing for steady progress. In contrast, Sabah’s frequent political shifts have hindered development despite its wealth of natural resources.
“In Sabah, we change governments and policies every five or ten years. That’s why, despite our resources, we have not progressed like Sarawak. Political stability is a key factor before we can achieve physical development,” he said.
He also praised the PBS Chinese New Year Dinner organising committee for a successful event and acknowledged the contributions of industry leaders in fostering unity.
“Today, we have all the Chinese leaders and associations coming to celebrate the Chinese New Year with us. We are very thankful to all the industry captains for their attendance,” he said.
Also present were PBS Deputy Presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim; Vice President Datuk Haji Ruslan Muharam; Secretary General Datuk Julita Majungki; Information Chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai;all Supreme Council members, the Federation of Chinese Associations of Sabah (FCAS) President Tan Sri T C Goh; Political Secretary to Chief Minister Datuk Dr Roland Chia; Chinese Consul General in Kota Kinabalu Huang Shifang and the organising chairperson Yee Tsai Yiew.
