PENAMPANG: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili has apologised to party members for being unable to communicate with them.
His deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, in conveying Ongkili's policy during the 38th Parti Bersatu Sabah Delegates Conference today, said that the latter's speech has been affected due to health conditions.
"We are thankful to God that with the determination, dedication and perseverance of the president, his level of health is now increasingly reassuring and in very good condition.
"This is evident by his presence here with us this morning.
"Nevertheless, the president humbly seeks the forgiveness of millions of us because he still cannot communicate effectively and has requested me to read his speech for us all to contemplate and reflect upon every word he wishes to convey to us all," he told members at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association Hall here.
After the 15th general election, the former Kota Marudu member of parliament has been keeping a low profile and has not appeared at public events nor made statements.
Due to his health condition, a six-member task force composed of supreme council members is formed to run the party on behalf of Ongkili.
In the policy speech, Ongkili said the PBS Constitutional Review Committee has been established for the purpose of reviewing its constitution which includes restructuring the representative conference from an annual event to once every three years and the creation of a new movement for young members.
Earlier, party founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said it would be wiser for people with common goals to work together.
He was commenting on the talks by Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan for his party to merge with PBS.
"In Sabah, we have to protect Sabah rights and democracy and the future. I think it is only wise to work together because we have other groups who don't kindly support our noble intention to ensure our rights are protected.
"Cooperation doesn't mean merger. When you cooperate, you work together with common good intentions. Don't sabotage each other, support each other.
"You have your own constituency so other friends must be supportive."
Present were Ongkili, deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim as well as other supreme council members.