Dr Mahathir To Open PBS Congress On Monday
Thursday. 4 September 2003 (Source: Bernama)

KOTA KINABALU: The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, will open the 18th Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Congress at the Dewan Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang near here on Monday.

PBS Secretary-General Datuk Radin Malleh said the Prime Minister was scheduled to arrive at the Dewan at about 2pm where more than 3,000 people including 568 PBS delegates from 46 divisions and leaders of Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties and party members would be gathered.

"The PBS congress this time will be historic as it will be opened by the Right Honourable Prime Minister himself following the return of the PBS to the BN fold," he told a news conference here.

He said the presence of Dr Mahathir at the PBS congress would no doubt boost the morale of the PBS members to continue the BN struggle along with other parties in the BN family.

"Apart from that the presence of the Prime Minister and BN Chairman will show that the PBS has been accepted fully in the BN," Radin Malleh said.

Touching on the policy address of PBS President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Radin Malleh said, "It will include thanking the Prime Minister who is the BN Chairman for accepting the PBS back into the BN."

Pairin would also extend the people's gratitude to Dr Mahathir for his role in uniting the people of various races and religions and for his efforts in bringing immense development and progress to the country.

He said four resolutions on land, the economy, education and social problems would be tabled at the congress.

Radin Malleh also announced that Pairin was returned unopposed as PBS President when nominations for the PBS Supreme Council seats closed.

Also returned unopposed were PBS Deputy Presidents -- Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili (Kadazandusun Section) and Dr Yee Moh Chai (Chinese Section) and PBS Wanita Chief Datin Jamilah Sulaiman.

Incumbent Deputy President (Muslim Bumiputera Section) Pengiran AK Aliuddin Pengiran Mohamad Tahir is being opposed by former nominated assemblyman Jahid Jahim and Haji Ahmad Awang.

Incumbent PBS Youth Chief Almudin Kaida is being challenged by Johnny Mositun.