PBS to heed PM's advice : Pairin
Monday, 23 June 2003 (Source: Daily Express)

Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has pledged to heed the Prime Minister’s advice to support candidates chosen by the Barisan Nasional (BN) top leadership for the coming State election in the spirit of solidarity.

However, its President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said PBS believed that all BN component parties would be given the chance to present their case for the BN top leadership to consider when the time comes.

“I think every component party will do that (lobbying for seats) and present its case for the leadership to decide,” he said when asked whether PBS would be lobbying for seats in the forthcoming State election.

Pairin, a former Chief Minister, said this when met after launching the Perwira Education Group Pancawarsa (Fifth Anniversary Celebration) at the Sabah Trade Centre here on Saturday night.

Asked to comment on Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamed’s winding up speech at the conclusion of the Umno General Assembly, he said although Dr Mahathir’s speech was basically for Umno members, it was relevant for the other BN component parties.

“What is relevant to us is the emphasis on unity and to ensure that the success that has been achieved would be continued and that everybody must work hard together in the coming general election,” he said.

Pairin said Dr Mahathir also urged for fullest support to be given to whoever is chosen as BN candidate and ensure that the coalition wins.

Meanwhile, in his speech, Pairin commended the Perwira Education Group for its commitment in giving quality education to students in its tuition classes.

He launched the event in his capacity as the Huguan Siou (paramount leader of the Kadazandusuns) and President of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association.

Also at the function were Perwira President James Alexander Fung and Sabah Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Director, Zaini Oje.