Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bumi Kenyalang (PBK) may expand its political footprint into Sabah in preparation for the upcoming State Election (PRN), contingent on local voter support.
Former Nominated State Assemblyman Datuk Ronnie Loh has expressed his willingness to spearhead efforts to establish PBK’s presence in the state, should there be significant demand from the electorate.
“We are ready to move forward if the people of Sabah want PBK to be part of their political landscape,” Loh said in a statement issued here.
PBK President Voon Lee Shan, speaking at a recent press conference, confirmed that the party currently does not have any official membership in Sabah.
However, he noted that multiple visits have been made to assess the political environment and engage with local communities.
“From our observations and discussions, there is a strong sentiment among many Sabahans who wish to see the state attain independence and freedom—an aspiration that aligns with the goals of the people of Sarawak,” Voon said.
He also raised concerns regarding the historical formation of Malaysia, stating that the process lacked a proper referendum to secure the people’s consent.
Despite the potential expansion, Voon affirmed that the party’s name and branding would remain unchanged, noting that the hornbill—PBK’s emblem—is also native to Sabah.
“There is no need for rebranding, as the symbol resonates with both Sarawak and Sabah,” he added.
PBK, a Sarawak-based party, has been vocal in advocating for greater autonomy and independence for East Malaysian states.