Arthur Sen ‘feels at home’ in PBS
KUNDASANG, Sept 1, 2018:
“I feel home in PBS.”
A short but strong statement from former United Pasokmomogun KadazanDusunMurut Organisation (Upko) Youth Chief Arthur Sen of his new political ‘home’, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).
Sen, who quit Upko in July this year, handed his application form to PBS President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan during the PBS N29 Kundasang annual general meeting, today.
Kitingan, in welcoming Sen to the family, disclosed that his participation into PBS would further strengthen the party.
“We welcome Arthur Sen to the PBS family and believe his experiences will be invaluable to us. This is a good beginning and hope others will follow suit,” said Kitingan, when addressing the crowd.
He further stressed that PBS members must be true to themselves and work even harder to promote the party’s objectives and goals.
“Being on the other side of the administration is nothing new. We were once the opposition, and now we are again made the opposition. But let us stay positive. This is indeed a crucial time for us all ... it calls for greater fighting spirit and be united,” he said.
Kitingan further stressed that the existing government led by Pakatan Harapan and locally, Parti Warisan, have only been in power for just over 100 days, and yet they are already causing administrative havoc and hardships to the people.
Mentioning some, he said these included replacing the Goods Sales Tax (GST) with the Sales and Service Tax (SST) which will cause increase in the prices of goods and services; the alleged registration of illegal immigrants for citizenship; disruption of civil service systems through senior appointments of non-qualified officers; and cancellation of titles for native lands, among others.
“These are disturbing and unwarranted changes which we must fight against for the good of Sabah and Sabahans.
“We do not know what lays ahead of us, change happens too quickly and we must be ready to tackle any challenges, no matter what happens.”
As such, Kitingan called on all PBS members to grasp on the party’s struggle, adding that the party garnered the majority support from Sabahans since 1985.
“Our pursuit of multiracial politics is not only noble, but timeless and forever relevant. I am confident that PBS has leaders with vast experiences and qualities that could lead PBS into the next era. I urge all PBS members to give these leaders your full support, and lead the party to greater heights,” said Kitingan, who founded the party 33 years ago.
The Huguan Siou (Paramount leader of the Kadazandusun) also urged all party leaders and members in the divisional and branch evels to continue strengthen the presence and reach out to the grassroots.
“Let's continue to work hard and ensure PBS remain relevant,” he said.
Also present were PBS Secretary General Datuk Johnny Mositun, acting PBS Youth Chief Christopher Mandut and PBS Supreme Council Member cum Kundasang Assemblyman Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, to mention some.