PBS all set for coming snap election
PENAMPANG, Aug 6, 2020:
Parti Bersatu Sabah is ready and raring to go for its traditional strongholds in the coming snap election.
Its President Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said although PBS is also excited to fly its own flag after 16 years, they are ready to work closely with like-minded partners against their common political enemies.
"We are not alone in this fight. But to win (the election), we have to work and come up with consensus amongst our political partners, namely PPBM and others in Perikatan Nasional.
"PBS needs to know its strength and abilities so there should be no question of putting a test on our chances. We have to be sure of the grassroots support before we commit ourselves to contest in a particular area," he said in his speech at the Supreme Council Members meeting at the party's headquarters, here, today.
His speech was read by PBS Deputy President Datuk Seri Radin Malleh, who has been entrusted to lead PBS’ preparation for the election.
PBS is looking at contesting 30 seats in the upcoming State elections and is in the process of finalising its list of candidates.
Ongkili, who is also the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), said PBS will be announcing its candidates soon, which will see a good number of new faces, including women.
"It is my hope that everyone be committed to work hard together, offer your energy and materials, and help in every aspects to ensure victory in all the seats we are contesting, " he said.
The Kota Marudu Member of Parliament also urged members to recruit new members, especially young voters, and assure them that PBS is still the best multiracial party to serve the people of Sabah.
" Listen to the grouses from our grassroots and youngsters. The younger members are our future leaders, and we must not be threatened by them. They will be our successors, including my post as the President," he said.
Formed in 1985, PBS is the longest surviving local political party in Sabah with 61 divisions all over the state including Labuan with more than 2,000 active branches.
The party has also set up protem divisional committee in the 13 new seats, and being a multiracial party, PBS is capable of winning any seats it contested, be it in KDMR, Muslim Bumiputera and Chinese majority constituency.
Ongkili noted that in areas where PBS is not contesting, it will support candidates from like-minded parties which share the common objective of defeating the non-performing Warisan-led government.
