by David E.
KOTA KINABALU: Sept 25, 2026 – PBS Acting President Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam has reminded candidates for the Central PBS Youth Exco to contest in a spirit of camaraderie, unity and family, as party elections are a democratic process that must not divide members.
“Contest as friends. When the contest is over, we return as one family,” he said at the 41st PBS Youth Movement Annual Delegates Conference.
He said the participation of many Youth members in the contests was a positive development and proved that many young people were still ready to step forward, shoulder responsibility and contribute their energy and ideas to the party’s struggle.
“PBS remains relevant and has a line of successors ready to continue the struggle,” he said.
He congratulated Datuk Dr Christopher Mandut, who was again given the mandate as Central PBS Youth chief, the three deputy Youth chiefs, Stanly Leo, Louis Lai and Khairol Majde Kalimin, and the three elected vice Youth chiefs.
“Those who won should extend a hand to those who did not succeed. Those who did not succeed should continue the struggle and give their support to those who have been given the mandate,” he said.
He stressed that the most important thing was not who won or lost, but how all sides came back together, closed ranks and strengthened PBS.
He wants the new PBS Youth leadership to be a stronger, more dynamic and united team.
“We need a Youth wing that dares to bring new ideas, but at the same time understands the history, principles and foundation of the party’s struggle,” he said.
He thanked the PBS leadership, delegates and members for giving him the trust to continue leading the party. That trust, he said, was a great responsibility.
Although they came from different divisions, backgrounds and generations, he said all shared the same goal, namely to see PBS remain strong, united and play a role for the people and the state of Sabah.
“United! United! United!” he said.
