Liverpool fan Pairin wants members to "never walk alone"

KUNDASANG, Jan 13, 2018:

Parti Bersatu Sabah members have been advised to be “wise and focus” in ensuring the party’s struggles and objectives are met.

Through such unity, PBS President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan stressed that it would not just strengthen the party’s machinery, but also prepare members to face challenges, especially with the election drawing close.

“We need to take wise steps to strengthen our election machinery and be prepared what lies ahead.

“PBS has gone through bittersweet memories since its formation three decades ago, but I am proud that we continue to be focussed in our struggles, and defending the rights of Sabah and Sabahans, which has always been our core ‘business’,” said Pairin.

Speaking when launching the party’s three-day election preparatory workshop yesterday, here, he also said it is vital to preserve the existing rapport with other Barisan Nasional component parties to ensure a handsome victory for the coalition in the coming general election.

He said although PBS has laid a strong foundation over the years, there is no  room for members and leaders to be complacent, and instead continue the hard work and ensure the people, especially the younger generation understand the party’s core struggles and missions.

“PBS leaders and members must never slack off (from the party’s struggles). We must strengthen our unity to overcome challenges, including influences from other (political) parties who try to deviate us and leave the coalition.

“We must ask ourselves whether we are ready to face the challenges ahead. Are we ready? I believe we are because we have never stop from fighting our struggles for the good of the state and the people,” he said.

Pairin added that PBS will have to work hard to defend its 18 seats, including five parliamentary seats, and recapture its lost seats.

“I am a Liverpool fan. Yes, the team lost a few matches, but I accept the fact that they played and fought hard. 

“Liverpool’s motto “you will never walk alone” means deep … we should never walk alone. We need to work together as a team. PBS is still relevant because our struggle is pure and sincere. This is a legacy we leave the young and hope they would continue the work.

“When I was young, I was even scared  of my own shadow. I was not good at public speaking, no one coached me to be brave but somehow I overcome my fear. Today I stand here as a brave and strong person because I know I have everyone’s backing,” he said.