Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has reminded critics that the party’s struggle remains alive and relevant, saying it continues to fight for Sabah’s dignity and progress despite changes in the political landscape.
In a statement, PBS vice-president and Youth chief Datuk Dr Christopher Mandut said the party’s spirit — founded on courage, resilience and loyalty to principles — had not faded even after four decades in existence.
He was responding to a commentary by Datuk Raymond Tombung titled “Questions for PBS leaders: What exactly is your struggle in PRN17?”, which he said questioned the sincerity and direction of the party ahead of the coming state election.
“PBS is still here, still standing, and still fighting for Sabah. This party isn’t just a name in history — it represents the blood, sweat and dignity that built the state’s political identity,” he said.
Mandut said PBS had evolved with time but never compromised its principles, stressing that true courage lies in adapting wisely rather than engaging in reckless defiance.
“PBS doesn’t bow to change — it shapes it. We choose reason over chaos, and we stay loyal to the people, not individuals,” he said.
Rejecting claims that PBS was driven by power, he said the party had consistently prioritised the people’s interest, defending Sabah’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963, native land ownership, and rural development.
“If PBS had been power-hungry, it would have abandoned its principles long ago and aligned with whoever could offer positions. But that’s not who we are,” he said.
On the suggestion that PBS had “adjusted to the political wind”, Mandut said adapting strategy did not mean abandoning principles.
“In politics, wisdom means steering through the storm without losing direction. We adapt, but we don’t surrender. We don’t change colours — we strengthen our roots,” he said.
He said development had always been a central part of PBS’ struggle, describing roads, bridges, schools and water supply projects as tangible proof that the party still worked for all Sabahans. “To dismiss development as mere political gimmick is to overlook its value as social justice. How can we speak of fairness if people still lack basic infrastructure?” he said.
Mandut added that PBS’ calm approach should not be mistaken for weakness, saying the party believed in collaboration for Sabah’s stability rather than endless political quarrels.
“PBS is not silent out of fear; we are silent because we are working. We do not serve any ‘master’. We cooperate for Sabah, not surrender for power,” he said.
He acknowledged grassroots frustrations but said they reflected that the party was still alive and responsive, with a younger generation being groomed to carry its torch.
“PBS will continue with fresh faces and energy, but with the same spirit that burned in 1985. We fight not for elections alone but for Sabah’s future and its rightful place as an equal partner in Malaysia,” he said.
Describing the coming state election (PRN17) as a test of the party’s endurance, Mandut said PBS would prove its relevance through sincerity and service, not noise.
“Tests only come to those who still matter. The fire of our struggle has never died — it now burns brighter, quietly and faithfully,” he said.
He stressed that PBS had never sold out Sabah’s dignity, even after losing power and enduring attacks over the years.
“We may have been defeated before, but we never traded our principles. We will continue to stand tall because PBS is not just a party — it is the spirit of Sabah itself,” he said.
“Let others seek popularity through rhetoric. We choose reality through action. In a world of pretence, PBS holds onto honesty. We don’t shout to be heard; we work to be seen.”
