By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
Nov 15, 2019.
PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) will be moving on its own to focus on the next general elections, said its president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.
He was commenting about Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS), an alliance, which it was initially joined by PBS, Sabah UMNO, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR Sabah) and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah late last year.
The alliance had lost nearly all its elected assembly members when UMNO Sabah joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Sabah.
“A year down the road, this loose alliance’s registration has yet to be approved. Hence, unless it is registered officially, it is deemed as an illegal association.
“PBS has chosen to play a low key on the formation and programmes of GBS, and will be moving on our own to focus on the next general elections,” he said during the opening of the 34th PBS annual congress at KadazanDusun Cultural Association Hall here.
Also present were party founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, deputy presidents Datuk Radin Malleh, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jamilah Sulaiman.
He added that PBS was served a warning letter from Registrar of Society early this year to refrain from using the alliance for any activities.
However Maximus, who is also Kota Marudu member of parliament, added that the party is open to work with other like-minded political parties, including opposition colleagues in Sabah and Sarawak to fight for a better future.
As for the direction of the party, he said anti-hop law should be revived as leapfrogging has become a synonym for Sabah and current government has to answer on the issuance to 600,000 holders of Sabah Temporary Pass to IMM13, Burung-Burung and Census certificate that expected to commence on June 1 next year.
“PBS believes that such as law is required to avoid YBs (assemblymen) to join another political party after the general election. They must do the honorable move-vacate their seats and seek for re-election.
“As for the Pass, to date, the process of issuance is still unclear. We have yet to see any detailed information on the implementation. We want to be involved because we care for our children and their future,” he added.
Meanwhile, in welcoming the government's decision to lower the voting age to 18 from 21, PBS has also taken the initiative to set up the Pergerakan Belia and Beliawanis Bersatu (PBBB) by welcoming 18-year-old to join the party.
Comments
Post a Comment