SOOK: Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) leaders and grassroots members in Tulid appealed for the seat to be returned to PBRS under the Barisan Nasional (BN) banner in the coming Sabah 17th State Election.
The appeal was made by PBRS Tulid Division Chief Matusin Bowie, who is also the PBRS-BN Division Head for Tulid, together with the Division Committee members and all Polling District Centre (PDM) chiefs.
Matusin said the appeal had been conveyed to PBRS President Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup, urging him to raise the matter with the Prime Minister and request that the Tulid seat be given back to PBRS–BN, citing the party’s strong grassroots support and long-standing service to the people of Tulid.
“PBRS Tulid currently has more than 8,000 registered members, backed by a well-organised, active, and ready party machinery at every PDM level.
“PBRS has served the people of Tulid since before the constituency was established, when it was still part of the Sook area, and has remained consistent in fighting for the people to this day,” he said when met at the Pensiangan parliamentary liaison office, here.
He added that PBRS has long been the only party truly active, committed, and sincere in serving the people of Tulid through various community programmes, development initiatives, and welfare assistance driven by dedicated grassroots leaders and members.
Matusin also expressed support for Rufinah to contest in Moyog, which he said is more suitable given her political background and acceptance there.
“However, in Tulid, the reality is that Rufinah is not known by the local community. The people of Tulid want a true local leader who understands their culture, needs, and heartbeat — not an outsider who only appears during election season,” he said.
He added that voters in Tulid have clearly rejected PKR–PH, describing the coalition as lacking local roots and credibility among the people.
“Their record in previous elections shows failure in all PDMs, with very few members and candidates who do not reflect the demography and aspirations of Tulid’s people.
“Their absence from community work and lack of real contribution make them appear temporary and politically driven rather than sincere in serving the people,” he said.
Matusin stressed that if PBRS–BN is given the mandate to contest in Tulid, the party is confident of winning back the seat for BN and strengthen the coalition’s position in Sabah.
“We in PBRS Tulid remain united under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup. With strong grassroots support and unwavering PBRS spirit, we are confident Tulid can once again become a BN stronghold,” he said.
He added that the appeal made by PBRS Tulid and all PDM chiefs reflects the voice of the grassroots and should be taken seriously.
“This appeal is not just a political demand, but a call to continue PBRS’s long-standing service and commitment to the people of rural Tulid,” he said.