PBS defends leaders

3 July 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Party Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Supreme Council member Datuk Fredian Gan, has come forward to defend Acting PBS President, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, following allegations linking the leader to issues surrounding mining licences in Sabah that were recently exposed by the media.

He described these accusations as politically motivated attacks and a calculated attempt to undermine the stability of the state leadership and damage PBS’s reputation ahead of the upcoming State Election.

“I stand firmly with Dr Joachim. The accusations made are baseless, lack solid evidence, and are solely aimed at damaging his credibility. Dr Joachim has demonstrated leadership of integrity and transparency throughout his service,” he said in a statement here today.

Fredian also expressed concern about the involvement of veteran PBS figure and former Federal Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili, whom he said is also a victim of unfounded allegations.

“It is extremely disappointing that a statesman like Dr Maximus, who has long served the people and the state, is also linked to this issue. Clearly, this attack is not solely targeting individuals but aims to weaken the entire core of PBS leadership in Sabah,” he emphasised.

Gan also voiced full support for the PBS Deputy President, Datuk Seri Panglima Jahid Jahim, who was also named in media reports related to the scandal.

Meanwhile, he urged all PBS members, coalition partners, and the people of Sabah not to be easily swayed by speculation and to remain united in facing attempts to destabilise the state’s political stability.

“This is not the time for us to be distracted by sensational accusations or misleading headlines. PBS will continue to fight for the people of Sabah and will not bow to political pressure,” he stated.

In the same vein, he called for a transparent investigation into the matter by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), free from political interference.

“We welcome an investigation by the authorities but reject any narratives twisted for the benefit of certain parties. Until proven otherwise, our leaders must be regarded as innocent,” he added.

Fredian also supported the statement by Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, that this issue is part of a systematic effort to weaken the Sabah State Government under the leadership of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).

“Sabahans need to realise that these attacks are not only aimed at individuals but also threaten the stability and rights of Sabah as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963. We must unite to defend the existing government and prevent external agendas from undermining the voice of the people,” he stated.