TENOM – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is now adding Tenom to the list of parliamentary seats it plans to contest in the next general election.
Disclosing that the party aims to win the seat for Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), PBS president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili urged the party’s machinery to “start work immediately”.
The Vibes had first reported that the party sources said the leadership was eyeing at least four seats, including Tuaran and Ranau besides Tenom.
The sources did not say which other seats the party plans to contest, though they ruled out the opposition strongholds of Penampang and Batu Sapi.
“As a multiracial party with 37 years of experience, we would like to offer PBS for the Tenom (parliamentary) seat (in the coming general election),” said Ongkili, followed by thunderous applause from the floor.
Speaking when opening the joint PBS N42 Melalap and N43 Kemabong 36th and 37th annual general meeting here today, he stressed that from now until then, both the party’s divisions here have a great task ahead to further strengthen its presence in Tenom.
Ongkili said that PBS has proved itself in the past as a faithful defender of Sabah’s rights.
“Over the years, we have been consistent in voicing out against the large presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah, as well as crusading against leap-frogging politics.
“PBS has always been a supporter of anti-hop law since the party’s inception in 1985, and has always voiced out for fair economic development for the good of Sabah and Sabahans,” he said.
The Tenom seat is currently held by Noorita Sual from DAP after she captured the seat from Rubin Balang, who was representing Umno at the time, with a slim majority of 5% (1,133 votes).
Tenom consists of two state seats – Melalap (Datuk Peter Anthony, then Warisan, now in Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat) and Kemabong (Rubin, independent, government-friendly).
Meanwhile, speaking about the decision of PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Radin Malleh’s decision to opt out from defending his PBS Melalap division chief’s post, Ongkili described it as a sad but memorable occasion as well.
“He (Radin) may bid goodbye to his division head post, but it is not the end because he will be pursuing his role in a different capacity, continuing to guide the divisions with his past experiences.
“His decision to make way for young leaders is noble,” said Ongkili. –The Vibes, April 9, 2022
