KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has made significant steps in regaining its foothold in the state as it recorded its highest number of candidates contesting in the party polls.
Party secretary-general Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said 64 candidates contesting for various posts from deputy president to supreme council members showed that the party’s support is now stronger than ever.
This, he pointed out, is further proven by the highest number of delegates and observers present at the party’s Malam Bersatu dinner event at Hakka Hall here last night.
“This is a positive development. We see the support and spirit from the people, and increasing interest of our members to hold responsibilities bringing PBS to greater heights,” Bangkuai said at a press conference following the dinner.
The dinner also saw the launching of a book documenting the party’s struggles and history.
Bangkuai said the launching of the book is an important agenda for the party as it wants youths, especially new voters, to know that PBS was the first party to fight for Sabah’s rights – such as those pertaining to oil royalty, the illegal immigrants issue and the anti-hopping law.
“PBS has been fighting for these issues for 37 years, and the party has never stopped and will continue to fight for our rights. We want the youths, aged 15, 16, 17 (and the new voters) to know this,” he said.
Bangkuai is contesting for the deputy president’s post under its non-Muslim Bumiputera quota against vice-president Datuk Joachim Gunsalam.
This as incumbent Datuk Seri Radin Malleh has opted not to defend the position.
President Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili is retaining his post uncontested together with Datuk Jahid Noordin Jahim as the deputy president under the Muslim Bumiputra quota.
Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai is defending his post as the incumbent deputy president under the Chinese quota against former Tg Aru assemblyman Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah. –The Vibes, June 30, 2022
