Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said constructive engagement rather than confrontation yields better results for Sabah’s development.
“We need to have a very good arrangement. We need to be in a good state with the Federal Government,” he said, citing tangible benefits from the Commercial Collaboration Agreement with Petronas, including the 25 per cent stake in the Sabah Ammonia Urea (Samur) project and 50 per cent in Samarang.
He was commenting on PBS’ alliance with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and its collaborative approach with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the coming 17th Sabah State Election.
Joachim noted the persistent development gaps between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, particularly in education and healthcare infrastructure.
“While peninsula schools are well-built with concrete structures and good road access, Sabah still has dilapidated schools with some children walking over five kilometres to reach them.
“Thus, if you keep harping on our autonomy alone...yes, I agree with you, Sabah should be led by Sabahans. But Sabah is being led by Sabahans now.
“But, at the same time, we must also remember that we cannot demean or decry if we ask a federal leader and be labelled as pengkhianat (traitors).
“It is better to negotiate. It is better for us to have a connection... we want to be having a good partner or at least there is a bridge between Sabah and the Federal Government.
“We engage with them in a more civilised manner, as what the Government should be doing.
“PBS remains committed to its founding principles while adapting its strategies to secure better outcomes for Sabahans through cooperation rather than confrontation,” he said.
Joachim also expressed confidence about PBS defending its seven seats while seeking additional ones in the coming state election.
“We will contest the seven seats we have now and add more suitable seats later,” he said, pointing out that PBS will not compromise on defending its current strongholds.
“Seat negotiations with GRS partners are ongoing, with the coalition prioritising winnable candidates across all contested areas.
“PBS has already identified potential candidates, including all seven incumbent assemblymen who will be retained.
“Whoever is the most winnable is most likely to be fielded,” he said.
The seven seats held by the party are Kundasang, Matunggong, Tandek, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Lumadan and Telupid.
On the five Star assemblymen who did not follow their President Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s decision to go solo, Joachim said the GRS coalition hopes to field them under direct GRS membership.
“The first priority is to field them under direct GRS membership. But we are also hoping that they join PBS,” he said.
On what PBS stand in 2025 that differentiates it from other parties competing for Sabahan votes, he said the party’s core mission remains unchanged despite the departure of prominent figures over the years, including Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, Datuk Wilfred Bumburing, Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee and the late Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
“Our struggle is still there. We still have members all over Sabah. In all the 73 constituencies, we still have members,” he said, citing Bengkoka as a success story where membership grew from 3,000 to over 10,000 members, with active branches expanding from 15 to more than 100.
He also pointed out the party’s continued advocacy for Sabahan rights, equality and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), noting that PBS was among the original parties championing these issues.