Work hard to defend, recapture seats – Pairin

0

KUNDASANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has reminded party members to be wise and focused in ensuring their struggles and objectives are met.

He said they would have to work hard to defend the 13 state seats and five parliamentary seats, and recapture the seats lost during the last general election.

Pairin, who is Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister, reckoned that their unity would not only strengthen the party’s machinery, but also prepare members to face challenges, especially with the upcoming 14th general election drawing close.

“We need to take wise steps to strengthen our election machinery and be prepared what lies ahead.

“PBS has gone through bittersweet memories since its formation three decades ago, but I am proud that we continue to be focused on our struggles, and defending the rights of Sabah and Sabahans, which has always been our core business,” said Pairin here yesterday.

Speaking at the launching of the party’s three-day election preparatory workshop,  he also said it was vital to preserve the existing rapport with other Barisan Nasional component parties to ensure a handsome victory for the coalition in the coming general election.

He said although PBS had laid a strong foundation over the years, there is no  room for members and leaders to be complacent, and instead continue the hard work and ensure the people, especially the younger generations understand the party’s core struggles and missions.

“PBS leaders and members must never slack off (from the party’s struggles). We must strengthen our unity to overcome challenges, including influences from other (political) parties who try to deviate us and leave the coalition.

“We must ask ourselves whether we are ready to face the challenges ahead. Are we ready? I believe we are because we have never stopped from fighting our struggles for the good of the state and the people,” he said.

“I am a Liverpool (England Premier League’s football club) fan. Yes, the team lost a few matches, but I accept the fact that they played and fought hard.

“Liverpool’s motto: “You will never walk alone” means …we need to work together as a team. PBS is still relevant because our struggle is pure and sincere. This is a legacy we leave for the young and hope they would continue the work.

“When I was young, I was even scared  of my own shadow. I was not good at public speaking, no one coached me to be brave but somehow I overcome my fear. Today I stand here as a brave and strong person because I know I have everyone’s backing,” he said.