PBRS needs more seats and senator posts to be efficient, says Joseph Kurup

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) needs more state seats and senator posts to work efficiently as a political party, says its president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

He said PBRS could not grow stronger and contribute more for the Barisan coalition if it was left out in many aspects.

“Due to the pressure from our grassroots and in our efforts to strengthen the party, it is important that PBRS is given a bigger role to play,” he said.

Kurup said this during his speech at the opening of PBRS’ third tri-annual convention here on Saturday (Feb 12).

He felt that PBRS should be given at least one of two senator posts as well as positions such as nominated assemblymen in the government, seeing that many other Barisan component parties had many seats.

“We only have one ‘yang berhormat’ from PBRS and it is very hard for us to work and have a stronger voice this way,” he said.

Kurup’s son Arthur is the federal Deputy Works Minister.

“For the record, PBRS made these requests to the Barisan secretariat for the last state election in 2020, but we were disappointed that a candidate from PAS was instead appointed as the nominated assemblyman,” he said.

On another matter, he said that the current political scene is moving towards the youth, but it was important for veteran leaders not to be sidelined.

He said the PBRS committee line-up would see changes it needs when the time comes.

He also touched on matters regarding Sabah’s illegal immigrant issues, saying that the proposed special card for foreigners could not solve the long-standing issue.

He also urged the Federal Government to intervene and help mitigate the rising cost of living woes faced by the people in the state.

Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahamd Zahid Hamidi, who was present in the event, said matters relating to Sabah Barisan would be handled by its chief, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.

“I have heard what Kurup said and I understand his message,” he said.

He said PBRS, as an important part of Barisan, was never sidelined and would always be given the priority it deserves.

“I give Sabah Barisan the power to manage its matters, so Bung will handle things here,” said Ahmad Zahid.