KOTA KINABALU – The leadership of Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) in Sabah will be determined during the party’s congress this October 1, said party president-designate, Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin, today.
She said the party’s newly formed state division is currently under a pro-tem committee.
“During (PBM)’s national congress, we are going to restructure and form the official line up which will be announced then,” she told reporters here today.
Zuraida’s statement raises questions about the recent appointment of Lahad Datu MP Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi as the state chief as announced by president Datuk Larry Sng last week.
Sng had named Mohamaddin as the state chief despite being aware that Zuraida had already named the party’s Kudat division chief Rahimah Majid as the state’s PBM chief.
When asked, Sng briefly said she has been notified of the changes and that she will accept the decision.
PBM plans to open 25 Sabah divisions
On another development, Zuraida announced six more divisions are in the process of approval namely Kota Marudu, Sepanggar, Pensiangan, Beluran, Sandakan, and Lahad Datu.
PBM had so far opened its divisions in Papar, Kudat, Keningau, Tenom, Batu Sapi, and Semporna.
She said the party is in process of opening up in all 25 divisions in Sabah, having submitted its application to the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
Zuraida also pointed out that the party had restructured a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to form the PBM divisions in Sabah.
Political alliances?
Zuraida said the party is leaving its options open to joining any alliance but insists that PBM will remain supportive of the government of the day.
She said PBM is a small party right now – but is just as good as any other party in terms of strength.
“We are still looking (at joining any coalition). But we are not worried. We have the strength and we have the people, and we can move in any direction at any time.
“We are focusing on strengthening our parties in penetrating the areas and recruiting more members,” said Zuraida, adding that the party is currently undertaking a nationwide roadshow to introduce PBM to the masses.
Zuraida said the party has held its roadshow in Perak and Johor, and is now eyeing Sabah as its next location.
The Ampang MP said the party will concentrate on the incumbent seats its members are holding for the upcoming 15th General Election.
At present, PBM currently holds Parliament seats in Ampang, Tebrau, Julau and Lahad Datu.
“The rest we have to work hard and strengthen our position in the areas where we are strong.
“We are preparing to contest more seats for the 16th General Election,” she said.
Previously, Zuraida received over 13,000 membership applications from Kota Marudu and 200 from Tawau. – The Vibes, September 4, 2022
