Young Sabahans urged to be brave in asserting rights
Published on: Saturday, February 24, 2024
By: Ricardo Unto
Maximus, Joachim, Yee, Jahid and others at the event.
Kota Kinabalu: The people, especially young Sabahans, have been urged to stand united in the struggle to reclaim Sabah rights.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also PBS Deputy President, said they must be brave in asserting their rights as Sabahans.
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“We are proud to have some young Sabahan leaders like Yee Tsai Yiew (PBS Api-Api information chief cum Special Officer to the Chief Minister) who is not only proud to be a PBS member but also dare to come out and voice what we want as Sabahans.
“I urge all, especially our young Sabahans, to stand united and continue the struggle to regain the rights of Sabah and Sabahans,” he said at the Api-Api PBS Chinese New Year dinner, here.
Joachim said PBS, which will celebrate its 39th anniversary on March 5, remained committed to the struggle to regain the rights of Sabah as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“PBS has been and will continue fighting for all Sabahans to have a legitimate place in Malaysia, for the rights of Sabah to be heard and restored.
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“This struggle was started by our past President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and continued by our current President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili...we are still following their lead, and we are lucky because we have a leader committed to the party.”
The dinner was also attended by Maximus, Deputy Presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Cai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, Treasurer-General Datuk Lum Kim Yun, Vice President Datuk Ruslan Muharam and Datuk Johnny Mositun, Secretary-General Datuk Julita Majungki and Youth Leader Christoper Mandut, among others.
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Meanwhile, Christopher said the spirit of unity in diversity is the main feature of the country’s social and economic development, especially in Sabah.
“The multiracial Malaysian community has forged a close relationship and has mutual respect among one another where the holding of festivities is one of the main contributing factors for our unity,” he said.
He said every year, Malaysians celebrate with pride various celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Kaamatan Festival and Gawai Festival, among others.
“These celebrations are not only strengthening our cultural identity but also providing an opportunity for the community to share the joy.”
Aside from that, he said, cultural programmes hosted by the Government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and political parties also play an essential role in promoting inter-racial understanding.
Christopher, also Perkasa Realty Sdn Bhd (PRSB) Chairman, said the Government’s commitment to unity is reflected in its social and educational policies encompassing all walks of life.
“Multicultural education is solidified in the school curriculum, while community development programmes are expanded to provide equal opportunity for the people.”
However, he said, there are still hurdles to be overcome in the constant effort to promote unity.
“Racial sentiments and tensions sometimes surface, especially in political and economic contexts.
“Therefore, awareness and education about the importance of unity and diversity continues to be a priority in ensuring the well-being of a diverse society,” he said.
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