PENAMPANG: The Youth and Women wings of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) play a crucial role in shaping future party leaders and strengthening the party, said party Vice President Datuk Hendrus Anding.
Hendrus, representing PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, noted that leadership development must start at the grassroots level, from branches to divisions, with continuous planning, guidance and exposure.
“Youth must demonstrate readiness in thinking, communication, conduct and leadership image. Preparation should not be left to chance,” he said during the official opening of the 40th PBS Youth and Women Annual Delegates Conference at Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here, Wednesday.
He also called for structured planning and mentoring for the Women’s Wing to ensure continuity of leadership at the central level.
PBS Youth Chief Datuk Dr Christopher Mandut said young leaders should be given more recognition and opportunities to serve in key government and agency roles.
“These include political secretaries, special officers, GLC chairpersons, board members, roles in the Community Development Leader Unit (UPPM) and Mahkamah Anak Negeri,” he said.
He also called for loyal members to be recognised with appointments, awards and honours, and highlighted the need to extend and improve the RM600 travel incentive for Sabah students studying in Peninsular Malaysia.
PBS Women Chief Datin Malianah Ugau, represented by Deputy Women Chief Mariana Majinau, urged Women members to continue their active role in politics, governance and community development to support the party and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
She pointed to State Government achievements, including investment growth, job creation, reduced unemployment and initiatives such as Budi, Aksa, Sentuhan Kasih and BIS, which help women access higher-skilled jobs and leadership roles.
She also called for mentoring the next generation of leaders in both the Youth and Women wings, while praising the appointment of Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam as Deputy Chief Minister and Datuk Julita Majungki as Minister, citing them as examples of women’s leadership recognition.
She noted that young voters aged 18 to 21 now make up over half of Sabah’s electorate, highlighting the need for fresh and relevant approaches to meet upcoming political challenges.
Hendrus emphasised that equipping Youth and Women with professional and technological skills is essential to face modern political challenges.
He reminded members that loyalty and commitment should be recognised, reinforcing the Youth and Women wings as the backbone of PBS.
“Building strong successors is key to keeping the party relevant, effective and aligned with the aspirations of the people of Sabah,” he said.
Also present were PBS Vice Presidents Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim and Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai, Supreme Council members, division heads and delegates from the Youth and Women wings.
