PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) said its post-election decisions were guided by political stability and careful analysis of electoral data, rather than sentiment, as the party reflected on its performance following the recent State polls.
Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said PBS retained several seats and also made gains in non-traditional areas such as Limbahau, but acknowledged losses in some traditional strongholds, including Tamparuli.
“Politics is always dynamic. Even with strong membership numbers in certain areas, victory is never guaranteed,” he told reporters after the party’s 40th Congress at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall, here, Thursday.
Joachim said outcomes were shaped by multiple factors, including internal unity, limited resources and shifting political dynamics.
He emphasised that a post-election review would focus on identifying weaknesses and refining strategies, particularly in Kadazan-Dusun-Murut (KDM)-majority constituencies.
He also emphasised that PBS decisions were driven by principle, not short-term gain.
“We prioritise unity, discipline and long-term strategy. Membership strength alone does not guarantee success, it must be paired with organised, focused effort,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Joachim reaffirmed PBS’s commitment to remain within Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), describing the coalition as the most effective platform to ensure stability and continuity in the State’s governance.
He said the decision was based on careful analysis of voting patterns, electoral data and governance outcomes, rather than emotion or external pressure.
“Cooperation with the State Government is essential. Many key issues affecting Sabah can only be addressed effectively through structured engagement and established government mechanisms,” he said.
Joachim also touched on the State’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), including the long-standing demand for 40 per cent of Sabah’s net revenue.
He said PBS remained committed to ensuring these matters were pursued systematically, with ongoing engagement through relevant committees and state mechanisms.
“Announcements alone are not enough. Every clause of MA63 must be implemented, every right restored and every commitment honoured. PBS will continue to be a principled and factual voice on these issues,” he said.
Joachim also outlined plans to strengthen PBS for the future, focusing on youth, multi-ethnic engagement and professional participation.
He highlighted the establishment of a Youth Leadership Academy across all zones to nurture disciplined and visionary young leaders, as well as strategies to expand membership while restructuring underperforming divisions.
He emphasised the importance of multi-ethnic inclusivity, reinforcing support among KDM, Muslim and Chinese communities, and engaging professionals such as doctors, lawyers, engineers and academics in party planning, policy-making and digitalisation efforts.
Joachim underscored the need for political education at the grassroots level to ensure informed and principled voters and to reject transactional politics, including campaigns against vote-buying.
He said the 40th PBS Congress marked a new phase of renewal for the party, aimed at strengthening unity, discipline and strategic thinking.
Joachim urged members to act collectively for the long-term benefit of Sabah, resist short-term temptations and focus on principled governance.
“PBS has survived, thrived and stayed relevant for 40 years because our struggle is consistent and rooted in principle. Now is the time to be stronger, more organised and more strategic than ever,” he said.
The congress was attended by party leaders and delegates from across the State, who reaffirmed their support for PBS’s continued role in GRS and commitment to principled, data-driven decision-making.
