According to a statement today, PBS welcomed 70 new members, comprising graduates and young professionals.
Of the number, 34 underwent a short course organised by a Bersatu Leadership Academy near here.
“We want to change people’s perception that PBS is a party for old people. With the entry of this young blood, it shows that the party is still able to lure youngsters to join in our struggle,” Ongkili said.
“The fact that these new members are with us is also proof that PBS is still relevant and that they are interested in our struggles.”
He said the academy was to train young people, especially the children of PBS members, in subjects such as political leadership, management, entrepreneurship and governmental matters.
“The academy hopes to help young people improve their knowledge and skills which cannot be acquired from public or private higher learning institutions.”
Ongkili, who is also energy, green technology and water minister, said such efforts were important to promote and expose youngsters to a better understanding of matters related to the current issues affecting the ruling government.
“The younger generation should be exposed to matters related to the ruling government, both its strengths and weaknesses,” he said.
“We would encourage them to share their knowledge with family, peers or younger ones.
“One of the issues that was highlighted during the three-day course was the advantage of PBS as a multiracial party.”
As a senior leader, the Kota Marudu MP said he wanted PBS to be built and reinforced with principles of multiracialism.
“I believe with that principle, it can help shape the country in the future,” he added.
Ongkili’s statement appeared to be a response to accusations that PBS had lost its popularity, especially among youths.
“Max is actually under tremendous pressure and in a panicky mode when many of the PBS grassroots leaders all over the state have deserted the party and joined Warisan,” Warisan secretary-general Loretto Padua Jr said recently.
He said Ongkili could not provide a better argument for why Sabahans, particularly the Kadazandusun Murut community, had to continue supporting BN and PBS.
“How can he ask Sabahans to continue supporting BN/PBS when there exists a mass exodus of his own grassroots leaders to Warisan?
“He cannot explain to Sabahans why the exodus happened, so the only thing he can say is that it is a waste of time voting for the opposition.”