PBS RE-ENERGISED WITH RCI

CHALLENGES......Riding on the announcement of the RCI, PBS says despite the 'difficult challenges' the party still enjoys strong support.

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), formed 27 years ago, remains consistent in championing the rights and welfare of the people in Sabah, said its president Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

He said though the party had to face many challenges and a tough political scenario throughout the period, PBS had remained steadfast, strong, united and determined.

Pairin, who is also Deputy Chief Minister, said the success achieved by the party was due to the continuing support of the people at all levels, including leaders in the party, supreme council members, division heads and members.

“When I look back at the history and the difficult challenges faced by Parti Bersatu Sabah over the years, I am pleased with the strong support given by the leaders and the members.

“Let us renew our plight to continue championing the struggles for the welfare of all the people in Sabah,” he told reporters at his 72nd birthday celebrations at the Dewan Putra Luyang, near here last night.

He added that the people must remain united in order to effectively voice their needs to the government.

Pairin said that the government was very perceptive to the needs of the people and wished to protect their interests but to enable the government to help the people, it was important that they remained united in voicing their needs.

“Our unity will make us stronger in voicing our views and concerns. The government is also always listening to the people and would do all it can to fulfil their development needs,” he said.

Also present were PBS deputy president Dr Maximus Ongkili, Dr Yee Moh Chai and Almudin Kaida.

PBS was the first party to call for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in the state.

The call became a reality when Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak announced the setting up of the RCI, last week. (Bernama)