PBS consistent in championing people’s rights – Pairin

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Pairin cutting his 72nd birthday cake while his wife Puan Sri Geneivie (left), son Alex (third left), his grandchildren and PBS senior leaders look on.

KOTA KINABALU:  He may be a senior politician, but Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan is not afraid to get some pointers and guidance from fellow party leaders to ensure Parti Bersatu Sabah continues to move forward.

The Deputy Chief Minister said this during his 72nd birthday celebration here on Friday, adding that he felt blessed with the party leaders, members and people’s continuous support for him as he continues struggling for PBS’ cause since it was set up 27 years ago.

“Though the party had to face many challenges and a tough political scenario throughout the period, it had remained steadfast, strong, united and determined,” said the PBS president, who is also the Infrastructure Development Minister.

PBS ditched the Barisan Nasional at the eleventh hour of the 1990 general election but 12 years later, in 2003, was readmitted into the ruling coalition and soon became an integral component of the state BN government machinery.

He became the chief minister when PBS toppled the Berjaya state government in the 1984 election.

Towards this end, Pairin who is also Huguan Siou (Paramount Leader) said it was only natural for party leaders at all levels to boost their efforts so that the future generation would inherit a stable and strong party.

“PBS had remained consistent in championing the rights and welfare of the people in Sabah.

“Let us renew our pledge to continue championing the struggles for the welfare of all the people in Sabah,” he said.

He however advised that the people must remain united in order to effectively voice their needs to the government, adding that the existing unity would make them stronger in voicing their views and concerns.

“The government is also always listening to the people and would do all it can to fulfill their development needs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the special organising committee chairman of the celebration Datuk Johnny Mositun said Pairin’s leadership was very much still needed by PBS and the people of Sabah.

“We still need your leadership, like what you have done before this to continue guiding us,” said Mositun who is also PBS Information chief and a deputy speaker.

Among those on hand were PBS deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Almudin Kaida, vice-presidents and supreme council members as well as divisional leaders.