PBS Will Defend Lumadan State Seat: Dr Joachim

27 July 2025

BEAUFORT: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is determined to defend the Lumadan state seat in the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17), said Acting President Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

Speaking at the opening of the 40th Annual General Meeting of PBS’s Interior Lower Zone , which includes five divisions: PBS N.30 Bongawan, PBS N.31 Membakut, PBS N.32 Klias, PBS N.34 Lumadan, and PBS N.35 Sindumin, held at the Datuk Seri Panglima Dun Banir Hall here today, Dr Joachim expressed confidence in PBS’s ability to retain the Lumadan seat.

“However, this will not be an easy task. We cannot afford to be complacent or indifferent, as the opposition will pose a stronger challenge this time. They will use their tactics to divide our supporters,” he warned.

He emphasised that all seats won by PBS would continue to represent the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition in the forthcoming election.

Dr Joachim also commended PBS Lumadan Division Chief and current Lumadan Assemblyman, Datuk Haji Ruslan Muharam, describing him as a loyal leader who remains close to the people and committed to the party’s cause.

In this context, he called on all PBS members to give their full support to GRS candidates across the board in the upcoming polls.

“We need to secure larger majority wins in all constituencies contested by GRS,” he stressed.

Dr Joachim also reiterated that PBS remains a part of the ruling government and is steadfast in its commitment to GRS.

“Only local parties truly understand how to address the issues faced by the state. We are not anti-Federal, we still want, and need, to collaborate with the Federal Government. Discussions under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) have already led to several successful claims for Sabah,” he said.

Dr Joachim also welcomed 449 new members to the PBS Lumadan division.

Among those present were PBS Vice President Datuk Johnny Mositun; PBS Youth Chief Datuk Dr Christoper Mandut; members of the PBS Supreme Council; division chiefs; Women’s and Youth Exco representatives; and observers from fellow GRS component parties.