TAMPARULI: Grassroots members of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Tamparuli Division want the party’s candidate for the coming State Election (PRN) to be chosen from among local-born leaders who have long served the community.
They reject any attempt to field an outsider, stressing that the decision on candidates must be guided by the division’s voice and the spirit of PBS.
The chosen candidate must have a consistent record of involvement in the party, demonstrate integrity, and be well accepted by the Tamparuli community, not selected based on anyone’s personal agenda.
They said bringing in an outsider could undermine party unity and harmony, while giving the impression that PBS Tamparuli lacks capable local leaders.
“PBS Tamparuli has never been short of leaders. There are many experienced figures and loyal young members with the potential to be fielded as candidates,” said one grassroots representative when met.
They further stressed that politics is not merely about theory or academic knowledge, but requires closeness with the people and a deep understanding of local realities.
Past experience, they noted, has shown that parachuted candidates rarely earn voters’ trust.
“Listen to the grassroots, only then will PBS remain strong in Tamparuli.”