Resurgence of interest in multi-racial PBS

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KOTA MARUDU: There has been a resurgence of interest in Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) as people turn towards moderate politics and a party that represents all Malaysians in the face of racialism stemming from recent street demonstrations.

PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili said based on feedback from the partys division annual general meetings being held around the state, interest in PBS among the people had increased recently as PBS multi-racial tone becomes more attractive to them in this time of extremism and racial tendencies.

The survey from the division meetings held throughout the state is that multi-racial politics is still alive and well, and people are united in wanting racial unity in Malaysia, he said after chairing his Tandek PBS division meeting yesterday.

PBS must build upon this sentiment and strengthen the party as the choice of the people in Sabah, he added.

However, one crucial thing the party needs to take up is recruitment of members, especially from among the younger generation if the party is to reaffirm its role as an important player.

One of the challenges for PBS is to rope in young people who are professionals, enthusiastic, eager, smart, idealistic, sincere and believe in the partys struggle. We need to increase our talents from among the young people who believe in multi-racialism.

However, at times young people are afraid to take centre stage and the responsibility of leading. But we need this fresh blood in the party to reach out to and engage with the young, as well as prevent PBS from being a party of old people, he said.

Dr Maximus said that towards this aim, PBS will launch a major talent scouting of multi-racial young leaders whose role would be to assist the party to handle issues and promote moderation in the fight against bigotry and racialism.