KUDAT: The three core principles guiding Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) struggle are unity among members, political stability and integrity among party leaders, said Acting PBS President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Speaking at the opening of the 41st Annual General Meeting of PBS N.4 Tanjong Kapor Division at the Kudat Golf Club here, Dr Joachim said these three principles had formed the foundation of PBS since its establishment and continued to guide the party’s efforts on behalf of the people and the State.
Advertisement
.gif)
“The strength of a party does not lie in any individual, but in the unity and togetherness of all its members. The spirit of solidarity, mutual respect and cooperation must continue to be nurtured so that PBS remains strong as a political organisation capable of facing current and future challenges,” he said.
Dr Joachim, who is also Deputy Chief Minister I cum State Works and Utility Minister, said political stability was fundamental to a state’s progress and development.
“Without political stability, it is difficult for the government to plan and implement development policies effectively and consistently. Therefore, the political stability that Sabah enjoys today must be preserved and strengthened to ensure the State’s development agenda can be continued for the benefit of all the people,” he said.
He added that PBS is not a party for one ethnic group alone, but for all Sabahans, noting that few political parties in the State had managed to sustain themselves consistently for more than four decades as PBS had.
“This proves that our struggle has always found a place in the hearts of the people,” he said, calling on PBS to continue working with other political partners to maintain stability across constituencies and throughout Sabah.
On the question of integrity, Dr Joachim said party leaders must not only be the voice of the people but also serve as examples in matters of morality, ethics and governance.
“Only with high integrity can a party maintain the trust of the people and remain relevant in championing the interests of the State. Most importantly, the people must always see us as focused, principled, attentive to their needs, and not pursuing politics for personal gain,” he said.
Dr Joachim also described the Annual General Meeting as more than a constitutional requirement, calling it an important platform to assess the party’s progress, strengthen unity and chart its direction in facing future challenges.
Earlier, PBS N.4 Tanjong Kapor Division Chief Martin Majimil said the division had played an active role in the recent Sabah state election campaign, working alongside Gabungan Rakyat Sabah component parties.
He said support for PBS Tanjong Kapor had been growing, particularly among the Chinese community, which he said will strengthen PBS and GRS in the Kudat area going forward.
The division put forward two resolutions at the meeting — that the key positions of PBS President and Deputy President be left uncontested at the central party elections and that divisions without PBS representation be allocated funds to carry out activities in their respective areas.
