Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is aiming to retain its seven seats in the upcoming state election while exploring the possibility of contesting additional constituencies, including Melalap.

Acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the party would discuss its electoral strategy with its Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition partners to ensure strong candidates were fielded.

“Our wish list is more than six, but we have to discuss,” he said. “If possible, even Melalap also PBS has a claim.”

Joachim was met by reporters Wednesday night during the party’s 40th anniversary held in Kota Kinabalu. 

PBS currently holds seven state assembly seats: Matunggong, Tandek, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Kundasang, Telupid, and Lumadan. 

While the party intends to defend these constituencies, Joachim said negotiations would determine whether it could expand its reach.

The party previously held the Melalap seat but lost it in the last election. 

Joachim said reclaiming Melalap would require careful discussion within GRS to avoid internal conflicts and ensure electoral success.

He also stressed the importance of equal representation within the coalition, adding that discussions among party secretaries-general were ongoing to finalise seat allocations.

When asked about the leadership crisis in Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM), following the imprisonment of its president, Joachim declined to comment on other parties but said voters would recognise PBS’s consistent efforts in championing Sabah’s rights.

“Hopefully, they are with us,” he said.

Joachim also hinted at fresh faces in the upcoming election, jokingly suggesting that he himself might be among them. – March 6, 2025