SANDAKAN: Parti Bersatu Sabah will continue serving the people despite losing in the Sandakan parliamentary by-election.
In congratulating DAP candidate Vivian Wong Shir Yee last night, PBS president Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the party will continue its political struggle to contribute to national development through the democratic process.
“We will persist in the pursuit of justice, defense of the constitution and protection of the rights of Sabah and Malaysian people," he said.
"We hope DAP will honour all the promises they made to the people, " Ongkili asserted but pointed out the voters have chosen and PBS respects the mandate from the people.
“At the outset, PBS recognised itself as the political underdog given the electoral result for the constituency in the 14th General Election,” he said.
PBS fielded former Batu Sapi member of parliament vice president Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin in the five-way contest.
He said the party raised key issues of critical importance before the Sandakan voters for them to consider and evaluate.
Despite the unsatisfactory result, PBS through this by-election, has shown that they are a party to be reckoned with.
PBS represented the east coast constituency in 1990 and last contested for seat in 1999.
Following GE14, the party now holds one out of 25 parliamentary and five of the 60 state seats in Sabah.
In the by-election, which was called following the death of DAP Sabah chief Datuk Stephen Wong Tien Fatt on Mar 28, PBS offered to be an effective opposition for the state in parliament.
Similarly, the three independent candidates who lost in the five way contest also vowed to continue serving the constituents in their own capacity.
Former Parti Amanah Negara chairman Hamzah Abdullah said regardless of the Sandakan by-election results, he would remain fighting for the people.
“I'm still very much a fighter. Always have and always will be.
“There is no frustrations and I will continue to serve the people especially those who are poor," he said.
Oil palm company executive Chia Siew Yung said all candidates stand equal opportunity to win the by-election.
"Just like any other contest, there will always be a winner and a loser. I will continue to serve people and work together with non-governmental organisations,” he said.
Sulaiman Abdul Samat, who was former administrative assistant at Sandakan Parliamentary Service Centre, said losing the by-election would not stop him from continue voicing out the plights of the people.
“I see this as an encouragement for me to push myself more and to shbow the constituents that I am sincere in assisting them.”