PBS appoints Malianah as acting Women’s chief
PENAMPANG: Five days after the defection of their chief, the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Women wing voted unanimously for the movement’s deputy chief, Datin Malianah Ugau, to head them.
Her appointment as the acting PBS Women chief was announced yesterday by party president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili during a special meeting with the movement at the PBS headquarters in Donggongon here.
In his speech, Maximus expressed disappointment over Tandek assemblywoman Datuk Anita Baranting’s departure for Parti Warisan, but disclosed that life must go on for PBS.
“Yes, her sudden departure is a real disappointment for us all, and me personally, because we have trained her well over the decades, and the fact that she jumped ship just a day after we celebrated the party’s 34th anniversary, but it is not the end of the world.
“To all remaining pejuangpejuang wanita PBS (PBS Women fighters), do not be despair and sad, we must continue to fight, our struggle must go on," he said.
Maximus stressed that losing a leader is part of the fundamental challenges in any political party, but he called on all remaining members to continue strengthen the movement.
“Our struggle is long and we have so much more to do. We may have lost one leader, but as the Malay proverb ‘patah tumbuh, hilang berganti’ , which literally means what is lost, there is always a replacement.
“PBS is still intact, and PBS Women wing is still strong. We must unite for the people and continue fighting with principles. We must be patient, be respectful and faithful," he said.
Maximus added that the rakyat know the genuine struggle of PBS, adding: “They need us to continue the struggle for justice and Sabah’s rights."
On a different note, Maximus said the party is aggressively pursuing its membership drive and has planned roadshows and organise seminars to understand the Malaysia Agreement 1963, as well as agriculture and economic opportunities for the grassroots across the state.
Malianah, in her speech, pledged to continue the struggle and uphold the party’s objectives and goals.
“I am proud and grateful for the opportunity and vow to work hard and further strengthen the PBS Women wing. We will unite, be patient and faithful.
“We assure the party president and top leadership that we will stay. Apa mau lari bosku?" (what is there to run from boss?) she said.