PBS Strengthens Operations in Zone 5 Sandakan Ahead of the 17th State Election

Joachim (middle) with the team

6 July 2025

SANDAKAN: The Acting President of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, held a meeting with Division Chiefs and Committee Members (AJK) of PBS Zone 5 Sandakan, comprising nine divisions.

The divisions are Tanjung Papat, Karamunting, Sekong, Elopura, Sungai Sibuga, Sungai Manila, Gum-Gum, Lamag, and Sukau.

The meeting, held at Citi Club Sandakan recently, aimed to provide encouragement, guidance, and clarity on the party's direction in preparation for the upcoming 17th State Election, expected to take place in the near future.

“The most important thing is for us to remain with PBS, to strengthen the party, and to continue enhancing our efforts, including increasing membership,” Dr Joachim emphasised in his speech.

“Our current principle is to work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), and we will support whichever candidate is nominated,” he added.

According to him, internal discussions within GRS are ongoing, and there is strong confidence in the coalition’s ability to continue leading the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister, YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

He also reminded party machinery to be fully prepared for any eventuality in the upcoming state election.

“We must carry on the struggle. With wisdom and strategy, we can surely win this race, if we stand united,” he said.

During the same event, he expressed appreciation to the Organising Chairman, Nelson Sikin, who is also the Deputy Chief of the Tanjung Papat PBS Division, along with the organising committee who hosted the dinner, and to the event emcee, Ahmad Awang, who is also the Secretary of the Sekong PBS Division.

Meanwhile, Nelson reaffirmed that the PBS leadership in Sandakan remains firmly behind the party president and current leadership.

“We stand with the party not only during good times but also in the face of significant challenges, such as the upcoming 17th State Election. We fully support PBS’s principles within GRS and are united in rejecting any influence or ideology put forward by the opposition,” he said.

Also in attendance were PBS Vice President Datuk Dr Christopher Mandut; Supreme Council Member and Sungai Sibuga Division Chief, Kasirin Kamiran; and PBS Women’s Executive Committee Member and Sungai Manila Division Chief, Sariah Madulin.