PBS eyes Tuaran after BN vacuum

With the general election around the corner, Sabah-based PBS is laying claim to the parliamentary seat of Tuaran.

PBS president Maximus Ongkili, at the party's annual general assembly in Tamparuli, Tuaran today, revealed the party's intentions.

"We expect the general election will be held, latest by next year, and Tuaran is among the constituencies that we have a thirst for," he said.

The incumbent in Tuaran is Upko president Wilfred Madius Tangau.

Both PBS and Upko were formally part of Sabah BN but left after the coalition's poor performance in the 2018 general election.

The only Sabah-based party that has remained with BN is PBRS.

PBS, PBRS and Upko are three parties that target the non-Muslim bumiputera communities.

The three state seats under Tuaran are Sulaman, Kiulu and Tamparuli.

In the 2020 Sabah state election, PBS worked out a pact with BN and Perikatan Nasional.

Under the pact, PBS contested in Kiulu and Tamparuli, winning both seats. PN contested in Sulaman and won.

The incumbent in Sulaman is Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, who is from Bersatu.

However, with BN seeing a resurgence in its electoral fortunes, the coalition may not be as generous in conceding seats for the general election.

However, Ongkili is confident PBS can win in Tuaran.

"Our party will grow further, and our two assemblypersons in Kiulu and Tamparuli are serving the grassroots well.

"The grassroots are clear of the party's struggle, hence their continuous support to PBS," he said.