TENOM: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) remains relevant until now in the state’s political arena because of the people’s confidence in the struggle founded by Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Party secretary general Datuk Julita Majunki said as a result, PBS is now still part of the government, thanks to its clean, friendly and trustworthy image.
Therefore, she called on PBS leaders and supporters, including in Melalap to stand firm in PBS’s initial struggle to protect the interests of the people and Sabah.
“The party has gone through various challenges and obstacles but is still standing until now because it was steered carefully. At the age of 38, PBS is calling for more young people to come forward and ready to learn leadership style and party struggle.
“PBS is the originator of the idea of championing state rights such as the 20 points and equal rights as partners in the formation of Malaysia through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This includes the fight for the return of the 40% tax revenue and the issue of illegal immigrants.
“Even though the voice and views of PBS at that time were considered opposition to the federal government, we are happy that the struggle finally bore fruit in the form of awareness of the people and political leaders of the state of Sabah on this matter,” she said.
She said this when officiating the Annual General Meeting of the PBS Melalap Division at Dewan Datuk OKK Sanggau, near here last Saturday.
Julita, who is also the Assistant finance minister, said PBS’s struggle was not over, but “the party can be satisfied as the voices demanding state rights are growing and spreading across Sarawak”.
“The challenge now is that the people have lost focus because they adopt and impart foreign culture, especially money politics. The people’s vote can be bought with money and manipulated with a certain value without thinking about the long-term adverse effects on the state and its native population.
“I would like to remind leaders and supporters of PBS, especially in Melalap, to appreciate the original struggle of PBS. We must be responsible for the decisions we make now for the sake of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildre. Let’s work together to stop this ‘disease’ before it is too late,” said Julita.
