Maximus says won’t betray voters for personal gains
KOTA MARUDU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy president and Kota Marudu Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili is here to stay.
Assuring supporters here yesterday, the former federal minister also stressed that he will not abandon his voters in exchange for better position to fulfil his personal gains.
The senior politician said betrayal is a virus that has spread after the 14th general election and United Pasokmomogun KadazanDusunMurut Organisation (UPKO) exit from Barisan Nasional made PBS an opposition.
“UPKO betrayed us. They jumped ship right after Tan Sri Musa Aman-led government took oath. Their betrayal made us opposition.
“As such, PBS challenge them to vacate their four state and parliament seats they won under the BN flag and fund. Let the grassroots judge them and test the voters’ verdict on their frogging acts. See if they can win their seats back,” he said in his speech at the 33rd PBS N5 Tandek Annual General Meeting here yesterday.
Tandek assemblywoman Datuk Anita Baranting read the speech of Maximus who is on medical leave.
PBS Vice President Datuk Seri Panglima Radin Malleh officiated the AGM. Also present were PBS Secretary General Datuk Johnny Mositun, Deputy President Datuk Jamilah Sulaiman and Vice President Datuk Daniel Kinsik.
Maximus said vacating the seats is an honourable thing to do.
“PBS will move on and continue to serve the Sabah people with dignity and sincerity,” he said and urging supporters to “stay put, steady and jangan lari” (do not run).
He added that after three decades, PBS remained relevant but would face challenging years ahead with the current political scenario.
“The future is uncertain and rough. But don’t lose hope and give up. PBS has responsible leaders and we will ensure we fight sincerely with clear set goals.
“We have no plan to take you to hell. We are in pursuit of heaven of this earth for Sabah. But we must be careful to choose our future path carefully and wisely,” he said.
Maximus added that leaders need to be sober and act steadily fuelled with resilience, and most importantly refrain from acting out of fear or simply follow the crowd chasing after immediate goodies and personal political benefits.
About 500 delegates attended the AGM.