KOTA KINABALU: After six years helming Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili (pic) will take leave from his presidency duties effective June 1 this year.
In the absence of the 70-year-old former federal minister, deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam would be the acting president.
PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki said this in a short release on Saturday (April 6), adding that the party's vacated non-Muslim Bumiputera quota for deputy president would be filled by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who would also retain his information chief post.
"This move demonstrates the party's commitment to ensuring continuity and adaptation in its leadership structure, ultimately serving the interests of the party and its members," said Majungki.
Ongkili had hinted to retire from his presidency post two years back and suggested the party find a potential successor to lead the oldest multi-racial party in the country.
The former Kota Marudu MP, who has been unwell for a while, entrusted a six-person task force to run party affairs temporarily during his absence, led by Gunsalam.
Others in the task force are Bangkuai, Majungki, deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, and treasurer-general Lu Kim Yen.
"I am confident that I will leave the party in good hands. This decision is a strategic move that augurs well with PBS' effort to move forward. Thus is for the good of the party," Ongkili told Star in a text message.
The move came amid talks between PBS and Sabah Star, led by president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, to cooperate on seats allocation, in the next state elections.
Both parties, which mainly hold native KadazanDusunMurut (KDM) and Rungus seats, was expected to sign an agreement to seal the cooperation between them after Raya Aidilfitri.
Meanwhile, Gunsalam admitted it was a big shoe to fill.
"I hope members will render similar support as they have given the previous presidents. This is a huge responsibility, but with an army of courageous, trustworthy, and loyal team, I believe, together, we will be able to ensure PBS remains strong and relevant."
Bangkuai, in a one-liner on his double responsibility as the acting deputy president and information chief responded: "I'm quite used to multi-tasking. The key is we, in PBS, have the ability and sincerity to work as a team."
Both Gunsalam and Bangkuai vied for the number two position in the last PBS party election in 2022, with the former winning a simple majority of five votes, reflecting that the duo have strong backings from members.
PBS was expected to have its party election in 2025 when the two-year term of office expires.
