Sabah’s PBS asserts its cooperation with national parties is consistent with its principles and the constitutional relationship between state and federal governments.
PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has stressed that the party’s cooperation with national parties does not contradict its principles.
He said the collaboration is in line with current political realities and the interests of the people of Sabah.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I said the partnership between the state government and the Federal Government is consistent with the spirit of unity and the constitutional relationship.
“We adhere to the Sabah State Constitution and the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Therefore, cooperation is not contrary to the principles of Parti Bersatu Sabah,” he said at the 40th PBS Annual Delegates Conference.
Dr Joachim rejected narratives that distort the slogan ‘Sabah for Sabahans’ as anti-Malaya rhetoric or a separatist effort.
“This is not the true spirit of the slogan ‘Sabah for Sabahans’. It means ensuring that Sabahans hold key positions in the state and federal governments, especially posts that operate in Sabah,” he said.
He added that the ‘Rumah Kita, Kita Jaga’ slogan championed by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) carries a broader meaning that includes the nation.
“We must look at the bigger picture. The slogan does not refer only to Sabah, but to the larger home we share, which is Malaysia,” he said.
He stated that if Sabah progresses, Malaysia also progresses, and stability in Sabah contributes to national stability.
Meanwhile, Dr Joachim said he shared the view of GRS chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor that GRS may consider not contesting the upcoming Kinabatangan and Lamag by-elections.
“I think that should be a wise choice if we want stability in the state,” he told reporters.
Polling for both seats has been fixed for Jan 24, with nomination day on Jan 10.
The by-elections follow the death of the incumbent, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, on Dec 5.
