KOTA KINABALU: The success of initiatives under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) blueprint must be effectively communicated to the public, says Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking at the closing of a two-day PBS information workshop, he said it was important to keep the public informed about the achievements of SMJ.
"As members of the government, it is our duty to share the successes of SMJ, as this is a collective responsibility. We cannot allow the opposition to undermine these achievements or mislead the public, especially when they have delivered positive results," he said.
Also present was PBS acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
In his speech, Joniston highlighted PBS' proactive stance on political shifts, urging members to view changes as opportunities to strengthen the party.
He pointed out that evolving voter demographics, values, and expectations present significant growth potential.
"The political landscape is ever-evolving, and strategies that were effective decades ago may no longer yield the same results. We must view our party's journey through a forward-thinking lens and be ready to adapt," he said.
To move forward, Joniston stressed the need for PBS to be agile, innovative, and willing to adopt new methods that meet today's demands.
"When PBS members adjust their strategies, it demonstrates strength and resilience, not weakness. We lead by example, showing that evolving our approach only strengthens our foundation and impact," he said.
He urged members to strike a balance between honouring the party's core values and embracing modern, innovative strategies, particularly in communications and community engagement.
The two-day workshop featured discussions and insights from SMJ chief coordinating officer Datuk Datu Rosmadi Sulai, who spoke on the SMJ development plan, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Associate Professor Dr Arnold Puyok, who shared strategic insights on enhancing Sabah's political influence and perception management.
Meanwhile, Jo-Anna Sue Henly Rampas, a PhD candidate in political science at Unimas, discussed connecting with young voters in Sabah while Sabah Law Society's Datuk Roger Chin presented on state rights and issues.