KOTA KINABALU: The decision of Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili to stay on as Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president is the right move, says its premier adviser.
Datuk Seri Radin Malleh said Ongkili’s leadership was still very much needed by PBS, its members and supporters, especially in facing the next state election, which is only two years from now.
He said the PBS supreme council held its meeting on Friday (Jan 20) and had asked to retain Ongkili until his tenure finishes in 2025.
“I am glad that Ongkili has accepted the request to steer the party to face future challenges bearing in the uncertainties of politics nowadays,” he said in a statement Saturday (Jan 21).
Ongkili, who won the post unopposed during party elections in June last year, had recently said he would be stepping down as party president within three years.
In a statement issued after chairing the meeting here on Friday, Ongkili said he would stick to the original plan of relinquishing the presidency within three years, or "as determined by the supreme council".
Radin, who was a former Sabah Rural Development Minister, said that in 1994, when PBS was deserted by most of its senior leaders, it was Ongkili who was the prime mover to activate and revitalise the party from the branches level up to the supreme council guided by its then president Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan.
“It was not long before PBS 'recovered from such trauma'. Thank you Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili for your service and struggle for PBS,” he said.
He added that PBS has a good track record in Sabah politics and was a suitable and relevant party for the state because of its multiracial and multireligious concept.
Radin said PBS’ struggle for the rights and interests of Sabah could also be seen from the start with its logo and flag being a map of Sabah and the handshake symbol, signifying the good relationship of Sabahans in tandem with the real situation in the state.
“So, it is only incumbent and pertinent for PBS members and supporters and the people at large to continue rallying behind the party while at the same time, looking for a suitable and right candidate to replace Ongkili in the near future,” he added.
