United Sabah Party

The United Sabah Party or formerly known as United Sabah Movement^[3] (Malay: Parti Bersatu Sabah or formerly Gerakan Sabah Bersatu^[4]; abbrev: PBS)^[5] is a political party of Sabah. PBS had been recognized by the people of Sabah as historical local party since 1985. The PBS was founded by Joseph Pairin Kitingan in 1985^[6] and it is Sabah's oldest local party.^[7] PBS is also the one of eight major component parties that formed the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), a Sabah-based official political coalition since 2022.^[8][9]

United Sabah Party Parti Bersatu Sabah
Malay name	Parti Bersatu Sabah
Abbreviation	PBS
President	Maximus Ongkili
Chairperson	Claudius Alex Sundang
Secretary-General	Julita Majungki
Deputy Presidents	Joachim Gunsalam (non-Muslim bumiputera) Yee Moh Chai (Chinese) Jahid Jahim (Muslim bumiputera)
Women Chief	Malianah Ugau
Youth Chief	Christopher Mandut
Vice-Presidents	Linda Tsen Daniel Isidore Stanislaus Kinsik Johnny Juani Mositun Hendrus Anding Ruslan Muharam Peter Mak Almudin Kaida Joseph Lee Han Khyun Mursid Mohd Rais
Treasurer-General	Lu Kim Yen
Founder	Joseph Pairin Kitingan
Founded	5 March 1985; 40 years ago (1985-03-05)
Split from	Sabah People's United Front (BERJAYA)
Preceded by	United Sabah Movement[1]
Headquarters	Blok ‘M’, Lot 4, Tingkat 2 & 3, Donggongon New Township, Donggongon, 89507 Penampang (Peti Surat 13060, 88834 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)
Youth wing	Youth Section
Women's wing	Women Section
Membership (2022)	580,000[2]
Ideology	Sabah regionalism 20-point agreement Multiracialism Indigenous rights Social conservatism Kadazan-Dusun interests
Political position	Centre-right
National affiliation	Gagasan Rakyat (1991–1996) Barisan Nasional (1985–1990), (2002–2018)
Regional affiliation	United Alliance of Sabah (2018–2020) Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (since 2022)
Colours	Light blue and green
Slogan	"Bersatu!, Bersatu!, Bersatu!" "Sabah untuk Rakyat Sabah"
Anthem	Bersatu Dalam PBS
Dewan Negara:	0 / 70
Dewan Rakyat:	1 / 26 (Sabah and Labuan seats)
Sabah State Legislative Assembly:	7 / 79
Chief ministers in Malaysia	0 / 13
Election symbol
Party flag
Website
www.partibersatusabah.org
Politics of Malaysia Political parties Elections

Since 2022, the PBS acts as an allied partner, providing confidence and supply to the ruling federal Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition as part of GRS. PBS is a major component of the Sabah-based Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) state governing alliance since 2022.

History

PBS official logo since 1985 (logo above is being remastered in 2020)

PBS was registered as a political party on 5 March 1985. Its founding President is Joseph Pairin Kitingan who had broken away from the ruling Parti Bersatu Rakyat Jelata Sabah (BERJAYA) because of his differences with the Chief Minister of Sabah and party president, Harris Salleh in whose state cabinet Pairin served before the break-up.^[10] BERJAYA itself had ousted the previous state government of United Sabah National Organisation (USNO) to govern Sabah for 8 years from 1976 to 1985.^[11][12]

PBS later formed the state government after winning the May 1985 state elections.^[10][11] Following the 1986 Sabah riots after winning the 1986 state election,^[12] PBS joined the Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition and governed Sabah from 1985 to 1994.^[11][13] However, on the eve of the July 1990 state elections, PBS pulled out of the BN to join the Gagasan Rakyat (GR) coalition and won the state election for a third time.^[11][13][14] It also won the 1994 state elections by a narrow margin. However, numerous defections occurred as many PBS representatives switched allegiance to the then opposition BN coalition although PBS won a third term in the elections and was able to form a short-lived state administration that lasted for a week as a result of the defections which led to Pairin's resignation as Chief Minister.^[11][14] PBS subsequently rejoined the BN coalition in 2002, ending any form of opposition as BN fully occupied the state legislature and returning Sabah to the rule of the BN coalition that also holds the federal parliament.^[15][16]

Following the fall of both federal and state BN governments in the 2018 general election (GE14), PBS left the coalition and formed a new Sabah-based informal coalition of parties known as the United Alliance (Sabah) or Gabungan Bersatu (Sabah)^[17] and also the succeeding United Sabah Alliance or Gabungan Sabah Bersatu.^[18] During the 2020–21 Malaysian political crisis later, PBS has become allied partner providing confidence and supply to the new ruling federal government Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition set-up by prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin.^[19] On 12 September 2020, PBS joined the Hajiji Noor re-formed Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) or Sabah People's Alliance just before the 2020 Sabah state election^[20] which was won eventually by the GRS to form the state government.^[21] As a result, PBS has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of both the PN and GRS pacts separately.^[19][22] However, PBS expressed that they will stick to their own logo and flag until the actual local coalition is established under the RoS in the next and subsequent elections.^{[16][23][24][25]}

In 2022, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is the only coalition that has been successfully registered under the Registrar of Societies (RoS) making PBS interested in using the coalition's logo and becoming part of the coalition's component. Since 2023, PBS officially become the major component of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and one of the founding parties of the coalition.^[26][9]

Ideology and support base

Although it is mainly seen as an ethnically-based Kadazan-Dusun political party, PBS calls itself a "Malaysian multi-racial political party".^[27][28] Members are mostly of Kadazan-Dusun (from both the Dusunic plus Paitanic ethnolinguistic groups) and Murut (including the Lundayeh subgroup) ethnic descent, though the second and third largest ethnic membership are mostly Muslim Bumiputeras, mostly ethnic local Sabahan based ethnic Malay race (Bruneian Malays and Cocos Malays), and also from the Bajau community of peoples (the second-largest ethnic Bumiputera in the state including the Iranun subgroup and some Suluk together with the Chinese, alongside those of mixed-race or Sino-Native subgroup of the Chinese minority). Its declared political mission is to strive to safeguard Sabah's autonomy and state rights, promoting democratic principles, economic advancement, human rights and a fair justice system.^[29][30] It also seeks preserving the traditional culture of each race in Sabah and freedom of religion in Malaysia.^[31]

Among the most vocal issues voiced by the party were the issue of illegal immigrants along with 'ghost voters' in Sabah, the issue of the IC Project in East Malaysia, unbalanced development and the 20 points of the Malaysian Agreement 1963 for Sabah's entry into Malaysia.^[16]

Since 1994 major defections from PBS, several political parties with similar ideologies have emerged. The closest one is the STAR Party, founded by Datuk Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, the younger brother of the former president of PBS, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Other similar parties include Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah.

List of leaders

List of PBS Presidents

1st: Joseph Pairin Kitingan, founding President (1985–2017)^[32]

2nd: Maximus Ongkili, the second President (since 2017)

Leadership structure

Executive Council^[33]

• President:
  • Maximus Ongkili
• Deputy Presidents:
  • Joachim Gunsalam (Non-Muslim bumiputera)^[34]
  • Jahid Jahim (Muslim bumiputera)
  • Yee Moh Chai (Chinese)
• Vice Presidents:
  • Hendrus Anding
  • Johnny Mositun
  • Daniel Kinsik
  • Ruslan Muharam
  • Mursid Mohd Said
  • Arthur Sen Siong Choo
  • Linda Tsen Thau Lin
  • Peter Mak
• Women's Wing Chief:
  • Malianah Ugau
• Youth Wing Chief:
  • Christopher Mandut
• Secretary-General:
  • Julita Majungki
• Deputy Secretary-General:
  • Johnnybone J. Kurum
• Treasurer-General:
  • Lu Kim Yen
• Deputy Treasurer-General:
  • Lo Su Fui
• Information Chief:
  • Joniston Bangkuai
• Deputy Information Chief:
  • Bonaventure Boniface
• Supreme Council Members:
  • Peter Jino Allion
  • Samuil Mopun
  • Fredoline Totin Bangon
  • Stanis Buandi
  • Suman Yasambun
  • William Majimbun
  • Masum bin Takin
  • John Chryso Masabal
  • Bernard Joseph Dalinting
  • Muji bin Ampau
  • Hajjah Fazidah Mohd Yassin
  • Kasirin Bin Kamiran
  • Juin Saman
  • Azmi Haji Ahmad
  • Omar Hakim
  • Zamil Ismail
  • Johnny Goh
  • Kong Nyuk Thou
  • Lim Vun Chan
  • Fredian Gan
  • Ng Tze Tsai
  • Goon Thien Shang
  • Joseph Lee
• Divisional Chairpersons:^[35]
  • N02 Bengkoka: Dr. Samuil Mopun
  • N03 Pitas: Awang Okik
  • N04 Tanjong Kapor: Martin Majamil
  • N05 Matunggong: Julita Mojungki
  • N06 Bandau: Maximus Ongkili
  • N07 Tandek: Hendrus Anding
  • N08 Pintasan: Muji Ampau
  • N09 Tempasuk: James Baga
  • N10 Usukan: Lamdin Kuyad
  • N11 Kadamaian: Demis Rumanti
  • N12 Sulaman: Juin Saman
  • N13 Pantai Dalit: Lizuan Sarabun
  • N14 Tamparuli: Jahid Jahim
  • N15 Kiulu: Joniston Bangkuai
  • N16 Karambunai: Johnny Goh
  • N18 Inanam: Fredoline Totin Bangon
  • N19 Likas: Joseph Lee Han Khyun
  • N20 Api-Api: Yee Moh Chai
  • N21 Luyang: Goon Thien Shang
  • N22 Tanjung Aru: Louis Lai Vui Leong
  • N23 Petagas: Azmi Hj. Ahmad
  • N24 Tanjung Keramat: Tahir Hj. Mohd Soon
  • N25 Kapayan: Augustin Anthony
  • N26 Moyog: John Chryso Masabal
  • N27 Limbahau: Johnny Juani Mositun
  • N30 Bongawan: Jitim Abak
  • N31 Membakut: Egol Onsim
  • N32 Klias: Hamin Gundim
  • N33 Kuala Penyu: Sebastian Dirih Anjim
  • N34 Lumadan: Ruslan Muharam
  • N35 Sindumin: Angian Alai
  • N36 Kundasang: Joachim Gunsalam
  • N37 Karanaan: Bernard Joseph Dalinting
  • N38 Paginatan: Arthur Sen
  • N39 Tambunan: Daniel Isidore Stanislaus Kinsik
  • N40 Bingkor: Peter Jino Allion
  • N41 Liawan: Zachary Robert Stanislaus Kinsik
  • N42 Melalap: Martin Johanis
  • N43 Kemabong: Raimun Tindil
  • N44 Tulid: Suman Yasambun
  • N45 Sook: Abraham Akimau
  • N46 Nabawan: Likin Simin
  • N47 Telupid: Johnnybone Kurum
  • N48 Sugut: Jamika Jeppy
  • N49 Labuk: Zamil Ismail
  • N50 Gum Gum: Matilda Sapot
  • N51 Sungai Manila: Sariah Duling
  • N52 Sungai Sibuga: Kasirin Kamiran
  • N54 Karamunting: Kong Nyuk Thau
  • N55 Elopura: Linda Tsen Thau Lin
  • N56 Tanjong Papat: Ong Chih Qun
  • N57 Kuamut: Masum Takin
  • N60 Tungku: Ayuh Pandasan
  • N62 Silam: Haji Mursid Mohd Rais
  • N63 Kunak: Hatta Mulok
  • N64 Sulabayan: Alibun Gimboh
  • N65 Senallang: Omar Hakim
  • N66 Bugaya: Hjh Fazidah Hj Mohd Yassin
  • N67 Balung: Zakaria Hj Guntik
  • N68 Apas: Chong Soo Yin @ Mohd Irwan Chong Abdullah
  • N69 Sri Tanjung: Lo Su Fui
  • N71 Tanjong Batu: Samson Gapid
  • N72 Merotai: A Hasin Nawa
  • N73 Sebatik: Sahrol Mahoolop
  • P166 Labuan: Peter Mak Chun Vun

Elected representatives

Dewan Negara (Senate)

Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives)

Members of Parliament of the 15th Malaysian Parliament

Main article: Members of the Dewan Rakyat, 15th Malaysian Parliament

PBS has currently only 1 MP in the House of Representatives.

State	No.	Parliament Constituency	Member	Party
Sabah	P190	Tawau	Lo Su Fui		PBS
Total	Sabah (1)

Dewan Undangan Negeri (State Legislative Assembly)

Malaysian State Assembly Representatives

Main article: List of Malaysian State Assembly Representatives (2022–present)

Sabah State Legislative Assembly

7 / 79

State	No.	Parliamentary Constituency	No.	State Assembly Constituency	Member	Party
Sabah	P168	Kota Marudu	N05	Matunggong	Julita Majungki		PBS
			N07	Tandek	Hendrus Anding		PBS
	P170	Tuaran	N14	Tamparuli	Jahid Noordin Jahim		PBS
			N15	Kiulu	Joniston Lumai @ Bangkuai		PBS
	P178	Sipitang	N34	Lumadan	Ruslan Muharam		PBS
	P179	Ranau	N36	Kundasang	Joachim Gunsalam		PBS
	P183	Beluran	N47	Telupid	Jonnybone J Kurum		PBS
Total			Sabah (7)

PBS state governments

State	Leader type	Member	Party		State Constituency
Sabah	Deputy Chief Minister II	Joachim Gunsalam		PBS	Kundasang

Election results

Election year	Malaysia Parliament		Sabah State Assembly		Outcome
	Candidates	Seats won	Candidates	Seats won
1985	-	-	45	25 / 48	25 seats; Sabah state governing coalition (with PASOK)
1986	-	-	47	34 / 48	9 seats; Sabah state government Snap election
1986	14	10 / 177	-	-	10 seats; Federal governing coalition (Barisan Nasional)
1990	-	-	48	36 / 48	2 seats; Sabah state government (Barisan Nasional, contested under PBS ticket)
1990	14	14 / 180	-	-	4 seats; Federal opposition coalition (left BN before polling day to join Gagasan Rakyat)
1994	-	-	48	25 / 48	11 seats; Sabah state government
1995	28	8 / 192	-	-	6 seats; Federal opposition
1999	-	-	48	17 / 48	6 seats; Sabah state opposition
1999	17	3 / 193	-	-	5 seats; Federal opposition
2004	4	4 / 219	13	13 / 60	1 seat; Federal governing coalition (Barisan Nasional) 4 seats; Sabah state governing coalition (BN Sabah)
2008	4	3 / 222	13	12 / 60	1 seat; Federal governing coalition (Barisan Nasional) 1 seat; Sabah state governing coalition (BN Sabah)
2013	5	4 / 222	13	7 / 60	1 seat; Federal governing coalition (Barisan Nasional) 5 seats; Sabah state governing coalition (BN Sabah)
2018	5	1 / 222	13	6 / 60	3 seat; Federal opposition coalition (United Alliance) 1 seat; Sabah state opposition coalition (United Alliance)
2020	-	-	22	7 / 73	1 seat; Sabah state governing coalition (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, with PN and BN) Snap election
2022	4	1 / 222	-	-	; Federal governing coalition (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah)

State election results

State election	State Legislative Assembly
	Perlis State Legislative Assembly	Kedah State Legislative Assembly	Kelantan State Legislative Assembly	Terengganu State Legislative Assembly	Penang State Legislative Assembly	Perak State Legislative Assembly	Pahang State Legislative Assembly	Selangor State Legislative Assembly	Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly	Malacca State Legislative Assembly	Johor State Legislative Assembly	Sabah State Legislative Assembly	Sarawak State Legislative Assembly	Total won / Total contested
2/3 majority	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3	2 / 3
2016													0 / 80	0 / 30
2018												7 / 79		6 / 27
2020												7 / 79		7 / 24

See also

• Joseph Pairin Kitingan (Former 1st PBS President)
• Maximus Ongkili (2nd PBS President)