PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam called on party members to remain patient and united, stressing that political stability is crucial for Sabah’s progress, not positions.
Closing the 40th PBS Annual Delegates Conference at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) here on Thursday, Joachim said members should take a broader view when it comes to appointments and positions within the government.
He cited Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as an example, noting that many elected representatives from Hajiji’s own party, Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), were not appointed as ministers or assistant ministers in order to accommodate leaders from other parties and ensure political stability in the state.
“We must understand that stability is very important. Without it, the government can fall at any time.
“We do not have the luxury of always being on our toes. We must focus on working for Sabah,” he said.
Joachim acknowledged dissatisfaction among some members who were not given positions, but assured them that the party leadership had listened to their concerns and that further internal discussions would be held.
He said PBS, which won seven seats in the 17th Sabah state election, is actively identifying and grooming new leaders to ensure the party’s future.
“We are looking for capable successors. Selection will be based on calibre, without sidelining anyone based on background or age,” he said.
Outlining the party’s direction, Joachim said strengthening youth leadership remains a key priority and urged the PBS Youth Wing to come up with quality and impactful programmes.
He also praised the PBS Youth for their efforts during the recent election campaign, saying their contribution was significant to his narrow victory.
“The second week of campaigning is the most critical phase, and the youth played an important role during that period,” he said.
Addressing perceptions that PBS is a Kadazandusun Murut (KDM)-based party, Joachim rejected the notion and said the party must move beyond racial and communal boundaries.
“We cannot confine ourselves to the so-called yellow, red and blue quotas. We must work across communities, understand the people’s aspirations and cross boundaries together,” he said.
He pointed to Lumadan assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam as an example, noting that Ruslan had proven his critics wrong by winning re-election after his first victory was dismissed by some as a fluke.
With growing public sentiment in favour of local-based parties, Joachim said now is the right time for PBS to expand its influence.
“If we remain united, PBS will continue to exist and remain relevant. We want people who are willing to make sacrifices for Sabah’s future,” he said.
