PARTI Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) needs to identify its own strengths to consolidate the party, and not rely solely on Barisan Nasional (BN), its president Arthur Joseph Kurup said.

While affirming PBRS’ loyalty to BN and its spirit of camaraderie with other component parties, he said PBRS needs to work harder to ensure that it has strong support, especially at the grassroots level.

“No one could have predicted BN would win (only) 30 parliamentary seats (in the general election) but still be part of the government. Politics now is difficult for us to predict, and with the current situation being so dynamic, we need a more dynamic approach for us to move forward and be a stronger party,” he said in Kota Kinabalu tonight.

The deputy science, technology and innovation minister said this when speaking at PBRS’ anniversary celebration, which was attended by former president Joseph Kurup.

PBRS is a BN component along with Umno, MCA and MIC.

Arthur said PBRS must adhere to its long-standing practice of integrity and loyalty, adding that those values are important in ensuring support from the people.

“In 2018 (general election), the loyalty of many in our party and BN itself was tested. PBRS is the only local party in Sabah that has remained loyal to BN since 1994.

“Whatever our situation, loyalty is a measure of our struggles and integrity. We go through ups and downs together, we need consistency in our struggle. Whatever our position, the people (will) be looking at us with full confidence,” he said.

Met by reporters after the event, Arthur said with the last general election seeing some 10.6 million young voters, PBRS needs to take steps to attract the support of youth while seeking guidance from senior party leaders. – Bernama, March 10, 2023.