PBS members urged to think, act like adults
New Sabah Times, 07 March 2003

KOTA KINABALU: Now that Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is 18 years old, its members are urged to think and act like adults.

“As PBS members, we must understand our role because we are 18 years old today,” said its president, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Pairin said that as an adult party, it was paramount that its members increased efforts toward political maturity.

“As an 18-year-old party that has been through the long and winding political road… that has been bitter sweet, members must take initiatives from this experience,” he said at the PBS 18th Anniversary Dinner on Wednesday at the Golf View Restaurant here.

He said that an increased sense of responsibility was needed, and that any political maturity must be used wisely, and channelled towards useful efforts.

To an audience of predominantly PBS supreme council members, women and youth movements as well as several invited guests, Pairin asserted that the objective of the PBS’ struggle has been in line with the wishes of the Sabah people from the beginning.

“When I contested as an independent in 1984, I contested as symbol for democracy, fairness, development and voice of the people who wanted issues such as illegal immigrants here to be resolved,” he said. “The outcome of this initial political step led to the formation of PBS.”

Regardless of its colourful political history, he said that the party’s intention for the people of Sabah has always been sincere.

Pairin said PBS’ return to the BN was not surprising because the initial formation of the party was within the BN context.

“We kept on requesting (for changes)… only because of the circumstances at that time, we couldn’t be accepted… so we left but we continued to struggle with the hope to rejoin BN later,” he added.

He then took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for his understanding and acceptance of PBS’ re-entry into the BN fold.

“It’s another milestone for PBS. We feel as BN members, we better understand our position and will continue to extend our support for the development of the state and nation,” he said.

He further commended the state government under outgoing Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat who had the fortitude to address the illegal immigrant problem through Ops Nyah II.

Pairin also urged members to fine-tune the party’s election machinery in preparation for the state election that could occur at any time. “In spite of our busy lives, we must be ready when election comes to ensure a BN victory here,” he said.

On a lighter note, the guests were entertained to Kadazandusun and Malay renditions by Pairin himself, deputy president, Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili and secretary general, Datuk Radin Malleh.