KOTA KINABALU: Despite being one of the 17 component parties in the unity government, Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) will go solo during the upcoming Sabah state elections, says its president, Datuk Larry Syn.

He said the decision was made due to differences in political dynamics and that this would also allow them to field candidates for their targeted seats.

Syn said they have yet to determine the number of seats they would contest, adding that the decision would be made nearer to the date.

"To date, we have seven branches in Kadazandusun and Murut (KDM) areas, namely Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Pensiangan, Ranau, Penampang, Putatan, and Tuaran.

"But the party is not limited to KDMs only. We welcome other races to join our struggle and will open new branches if needed. The party does not serve one race only, and our focus is to engage with local issues in these two states and find solutions," he said at the launch of Sabah PBM's liaison office in Donggongon, Penampang, on Saturday (June 29).

Jupperi Lenson heads Sabah PBM. Joseph Peter Tinggi is the deputy chairman, and Sabahedin Sambikin and Darensing Gihan are the vice chairmen.

Jacktah Emy Marie Gipin and Jonehtan Matheus are the Women and Youth chiefs, respectively, with Richard Dompok (secretary), Judin Tingih (treasurer), Hernah Harun (information chief), and eight supreme council members.

Syn said the party also emphasises a Borneo solution to local problems rather than relying on solutions from Peninsular Malaysia.

"Sarawak is politically stable, and if we work together with neighbouring state Sabah, there is nothing we cannot achieve under the sun," he said.

Anticipating a stronger voice through forming a Borneo-based party, the Julau MP said two-thirds of their members are from Sabah and Sarawak.

"The strength of a party depends on the quality of its leadership. After all, the number of memberships does not usually translate to votes come election," he said.

On the Borneo Bloc concept proposal, he said they would reciprocate the idea, adding: "We need to be part of this movement, but only if we can get Sabah and Sarawak to agree. We deserve to have it."

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/29/pbm-to-contest-sabah-state-elections-independently