Political unity key to Sabah’s development : Dr Joachim

11 November 2025

KOTA BELUD: Unity among local political parties is the key to political stability and continued development in the state.

The Acting President of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said this when launching the PBS election machinery for the N11 Kadamaian constituency here recently, stressing that even if a party fields the best candidate, without unity and cooperation, political efforts will not succeed.

“Even if we have the best candidate, without unity, our efforts will not succeed. Credibility, responsibility, and teamwork are the keys to success in politics.

“Candidates must work together as one team within the GRS coalition. Solidarity and unity are the foundations of success,” he asserted.

“Political unity is the basis of all our achievements. We must work together for a better future for our state,” he added.

Dr Joachim also recounted the history of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which was formed almost four years ago, uniting PBS with Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat), the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (PHRS), the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), and Parti Cinta Sabah (PCS).

“This union has not only strengthened our political influence but also ensured cooperation in Sabah’s development,” he explained.

On the development front, Dr Joachim highlighted GRS Government initiatives such as the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing scheme and education support programmes aimed at building human capital and creating job opportunities for Sabah’s younger generation.

“Our goal is to stabilise politics, attract foreign investors, and increase the state’s revenue. We have successfully doubled state revenue from less than RM4 billion to nearly RM8 billion, with reserves now standing at RM8.6 billion,” he said.

He underscored the importance of political stability in attracting investors and enabling better infrastructure development.

“Political unity allows us to focus our energy and resources on the people’s interests, rather than on political conflicts,” he added.

According to him, GRS is committed to developing human capital as a foundation for attracting foreign investment and creating quality employment opportunities for Sabahans.

“If we do not build a skilled workforce, investment will find it difficult to grow in this state,” he explained.

Dr Joachim also emphasised that PBS, as one of Sabah’s oldest and most active political parties with a history spanning over 40 years, continues to uphold its commitment to the state’s development and the welfare of its people.

“Our party has never been inactive. We have always been on the ground, working and fighting for the people of Sabah,” he said, who is also the Assemblyman for Kundasang.

He reaffirmed that PBS’s mission remains consistent: to uphold the people’s rights, improve schools, health clinics, and infrastructure, and ensure inclusive development for all communities.

Also present were PBS Secretary-General Datuk Julita Majungki; Vice President and Youth Chief Datuk Dr Christoper Mandut; Kadamaian PBS Division Chief Demis Rumanti; and other PBS Division Chiefs.