PBS turns 39 – with a reminder to stay relevant
Published on: Thursday, March 07, 2024
By: Larry Ralon
Maximus, former President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, PBS’ three Deputy Presidents Dr Joachim, Datuk Seri Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, as well as other senior leaders cutting the anniversary cake.
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili admitted at its 39th anniversary, Tuesday, that its biggest challenge is to ensure the party remains relevant.
“Many new parties have sprung up like mushrooms after the rain, what’s more when the election season arrives. They arise to try their luck, and some are set up to tamper with the votes.
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“’Fly’ parties like this should not be given the opportunity to gamble with the people’s support,” he said at the event at Hakka Hall. His speech was read by Deputy Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
“PBS is not a ‘fly’ party. PBS has been established in Sabah for 39 years. We have been through a lot including political upheaval for almost four decades.
We are a mature political party, and with that experience, armed with tenacious, resilient, visionary and integrity leadership and members, we should be able to shape the future of PBS.”
The former Federal Minister said the way forward is to further strengthen the party and also the young PBS leaders who will take over the leadership.
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Dr Maximus said generational change, modernisation and the development of the democratic system had given space to young people to become leaders.
He said the view that only older and aged retirees are more qualified to be leaders because they are more experienced, authoritative and the first to taste salt needs to be re-evaluated and adjusted according to current needs and changes.
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“This is because of the post-reformation political wave that has opened up a space for young people who are qualified to be candidates and representatives of the people, showing that young leaders have their own strength.
“Furthermore, they better understand the wishes of voters who are with them for life,” he said.
Dr Maximus is confident PBS’ achievements can be improved if they work hard.
“The reality is, we only have seven state assembly seats and one parliamentary seat. This achievement can be improved if we work hard from now on. Go out, be polite to the people, listen to their problems and fight for the rights of the State and Sabahans.
“To our YBs, I am sure you are aware that people expect you play the role of ‘Yang Berkhimat’, and to those who dream of this YB title, do not be too obsessed with the position that’s because it’s a heavy responsibility, not a ticket for you to brag about.”
Dr Maximus said PBS should also stand out so that the essence of its struggle can be felt by young people.
“PBS and its struggles need to be strengthened and publicised, especially to the young, who may only know the party in principle. We need to be more active in introducing PBS, I am confident and believe that, by the next election, we will not have a problem getting the support of 18-year-olds,” he said.
He said, in welcoming the Government’s decision, PBS has taken the initiative and established the Gerakan Belia dan Beliawanis Bersatu (GBB) by welcoming individuals aged 18 and above to join this party.
“Even though PBS is the oldest local party in Sabah, we emphasise new breath and ideas. Armed with experience and a proven record of political and governance achievements, we would like to welcome all young blood into the party because PBS is home for everyone.
“PBS is a multi-racial political party that is able to meet the needs of the young, as well as the seniors. We want to ensure that young people are comfortable and have a fair and equal opportunity to voice and share their views so that this group can play a role in nation building.”
Dr Maximus is also confident and believes that the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) Government is the best choice to lead the people and further dignify the political struggle in Sabah.
According to him, Sabah’s political development has been very active since the last election.
“Among them the drama staring Umno leaders, the decision of some leaders to leave the Warisan, and also the establishment of the local party Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah which is in line with the demand of the people of Sabah to make GRS a coalition of all local parties.
“My view is that whatever happens, it is to the advantage of GRS. GRS is getting stronger and I believe, this is the best combination to govern our bel. I am confident and believe that the GRS Government is the best choice to lead the people and further dignify our political struggle,” he said.
In addition, he said the passing of the Anti-Party Hopping Law at the previous State Legislative Assembly (DUN) session also hindered the desire of politicians to “hop” to a party that promises sweeter sweets.
"However, the ‘frogs’ may be more creative to migrate to other parties, because this party-hopping culture seems to be very synonymous with Sabah. Among all the states, we probably have the largest number of ‘frogs’.
“Many want to kill the ‘jumping frogs’ but we have to keep in mind that it is not only strong in jumping, but it is also capable of diving.
“Therefore, we need to think outside the box to deal with this problem before it happens,” he said.
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