KOTA KINABALU: The biggest challenge for Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is to remain relevant, says its president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
He said that as the election approaches, many new parties are emerging like "mushrooms after rain".
"They emerge to try their luck, and some are set up to split votes. These 'parti lalat' should not be allowed the opportunity to gamble on the people's support.
"However, PBS is not a 'parti lalat' party as it has been rooted in Sabah for 39 years. We have weathered political storms for almost four decades.
"We are a mature political party, and with that experience, armed with resilient, tough, visionary, and integrity-driven leadership and members, we should be able to carve out the future of PBS," he said during the party's 39th anniversary celebration at Hakka hall here last night.
Despite not being present at the event, Maximus' speech was read by party deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
He added that the way forward for the party consisted of strengthening the party and the young leader who would assume the leadership.
"Generational changes, modernisation, and the development of the democratic system have provided space for young people to become leaders.
"The notion that only older and experienced personalities are more qualified to lead because they are more experienced, authoritative, and have more experience, needs to be reassessed and aligned with current needs and changes.
"This is because the post-reformasi political wave has opened up trust in qualified young people to become candidates and representatives of the people, showing that young leaders have their own strengths.
"Furthermore, they understand the needs of voters their age."
However, Maximus reminded everyone, especially young leaders, that the responsibility as a representative was huge and not for personal interests.
"As representatives, your service is for everyone, whether supporters of the ruling party or the opposition party.
"The people crave a government and leaders who genuinely look out for their best interests, not merely rhetorically but also in practice by carrying out their duties and responsibilities as leaders.
Present were PBS founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim.