PBS to reinforce unity and integrity while remaining in GRS, says president

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 26 — Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam wants the party to be strengthened as a modern, multiracial and integrity-driven entity that remains relevant, while reaffirming its commitment to continue working with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

He said the direction of the new PBS leadership would be based on three main pillars — unity, stability and integrity — in line with the theme of the 41st PBS Congress held today, ‘Unity, Stability, Integrity’.

“We may have different views and approaches, but our goal remains the same: to strengthen PBS and fight for Sabah’s future,” he said when delivering his presidential policy speech at the congress here.

He said the struggle concerning the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was not yet over and PBS would continue to play an active role in defending Sabah’s rights and interests.

“This means our struggle is still a long one. PBS will continue to be an active, relevant and consistent voice in defending Sabah’s rights and interests. We do not want MA63 to merely become a political slogan; we want tangible implementation and results that the people can feel,” he said.

On unity, Dr Joachim said PBS needed to continue serving as a political home that united Sabahans regardless of race, religion, district or background.

He said the party would strengthen public participation by increasing the participation of Malays and Muslim Bumiputera, regaining the confidence of the Chinese community and providing greater opportunities for professionals, women and the younger generation.

“PBS does not belong to one race. PBS belongs to everyone who believes in the struggle for Sabah,” he said.

On GRS, he said PBS would continue to be a loyal, constructive and principled partner in the coalition.

Dr Joachim said PBS’ loyalty to the coalition did not mean that the party would lose its identity, but would continue to voice Sabah’s interests, including MA63, rural development, education, the economy, employment opportunities and the people’s well-being.

“We are with GRS, but we remain PBS. In terms of integrity, positions in PBS are not a gift but a trust that requires leaders to work, go to the ground, listen to the people’s problems and seek solutions,” he said. — Bernama