‘PBS can provide check and balance’
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is driving home a simple message ahead of the Sandakan by-election on May 11 — it can focus on being an effective opposition in Parliament.
PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the party would stand its ground to provide check and balance for the east coast constituency it last represented in 1990 and contested in 1999.
The party holds one of 25 parliamentary and five of 60 state seats in Sabah, after nearly a year of alliance switches, new affiliations and coalitions among elected representatives following the 14th General Election.
Ongkili said its candidate, Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin, was the PBS divisional chief in Elopura, which is under the Sandakan parliamentary constituency.
“We are offering PBS to be the voice of Sandakan people in Parliament.
“She can serve the people as she is a seasoned and experienced grassroots leader,” he said, giving the assurance that the party would not betray the task entrusted to it by voters.
PBS deputy president Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai said DAP had never governed before and they would find it difficult being in that position with other partners that used to be its enemies.
“PBS has the experience, track record and holds true to its core struggles.
“Many people in Sabah are behind us.”
Tsen was thrust into mainstream politics in 2010 when she replaced her late husband, Datuk Edmund Wong, then Batu Sapi member of parliament, who died in an accident here.
Since Saturday, PBS has been canvassing for votes in key areas in the constituency, delivering its message door-to-door and in market grounds.