PBS to continue defending rights
Sunday, 05 March 2006 (Source : New Straits Times)

TAMBUNAN : Parti Bersatu Sabah, which celebrated its 21st anniversary, has many more challenges ahead, its president Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said.

"The party has matured, its priority lies in defending the rights and needs of Sabah’s multi-racial community.

"The party has faced many trials and tribulations but we pulled through with continued support from the people," he said in his address during the party’s 21st anniversary celebration in his constituency of Tambunan today.

"Our goals remain as noble as they were when we started," said Pairin, who is also Deputy Chief Minister and State Rural Development Minister.

"Now 21 years on we continue to refine and defend our pride, justice and rights as Malaysians, and continue to strengthen unity and national integration as well as bring more development to Sabah and the country."

Over 1,000 people, including senior party leaders and members, turned up at the early morning gathering at the Tambunan Resort and Country Club. PBS was registered as a political party on March 5, 1985.

In recalling what led to the formation of the party, Pairin said it was an act of last resort by a group of politicians who heeded the call from the grassroots on the need for changes in the State’s administration.