KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is not a submissive partner in the eight-party ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition that just does as it is told, says its information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said PBS, as the second largest partner in GRS, was loyal to the coalition, and this went beyond merely being part of a group.
"In any coalition, true strength lies in stability and harmony. As a key partner in GRS, our contribution has always been to safeguard stability and harmony within the coalition.
"But let there be no misunderstanding. Loyalty does not mean we're a 'yes, boss' partner," he said at the 40th PBS Kiulu division annual general meeting on Tuesday (Aug 19).
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He said the party's spirit of perseverance remains the same, and those who understand PBS know that its loyalty is never blind, but built on earned respect.
Bangkuai said that the party's commitment was to ensure Sabah's voices remain at the heart of decision-making, especially as the state navigates economic, social and political transformation.
He said PBS, Sabah's oldest party, was positioning itself as a catalyst for the renewal and resilience of local parties in the state, drawing strength from its long-standing bond with the grassroots.
Bangkuai, who is the Kiulu PBS division chief, said the party's endurance in the constituency since it first won the seat in 1985 the people's continued trust in the principles of its struggle.
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"Being Sabah's longest-surviving local political party, PBS... aims to inspire the rise in dominance of local parties in Sabah," he said, stressing that the party's history shows it strives to always stay relevant instead of resting on its laurels.
Bangkuai, a four-term assemblyman for Kiulu since 2013, said the party's legacy is a reminder to all members and supporters to keep pace with the times, listen to the people's voices, and remain grounded in its struggles.
PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki officiated the meeting on behalf of acting party president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
Also present were Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Kiulu division head Datuk Janih Bangud and Sabah STAR division head Terrence Sinti.
