PBS leaders support Joachim as acting party president, says Youth chief

KOTA KINABALU: The supreme council members of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) accept the decision of ailing Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili to go on leave and hand over the reins to his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

PBS Youth chief Christopher Mandut said there was a general consensus among party supreme council members as well as divisions on the decision of Ongkili to take leave as president for Dr Joachim to be acting president with party information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai made acting deputy president to replace Dr Joachim.

Ongkili’s decision to take leave as president has received all-round support from leaders at the central and divisional level, he said.

“Generally, they (supreme council members and divisional leaders) welcomed the decision and pledged their support to the appointments made by the party president,” he said following the announcement by party secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki about the changes on Saturday (April 6).

“While we cannot help but feel sad over Ongkili’s decision to take leave, we have nothing but praise for him. He is truly a great leader and believes he made the decision for the good of PBS.

“I am sure that the president had trained the two leaders well, and with his continuous guidance and their political acumen brains, PBS will soar higher,” he said, adding that the youth wing pledged to give full support for Dr Joachim and Bangkuai.

PBS vice-president Datuk Daniel Kinsik said it was an opportunity for Dr Joachim, who was the deputy president for the non-Muslim Bumiputera quota, to show his leadership ability.

“In the absence of the President, who is unwell, a task force was set up to run party affairs, led by him (Dr Joachim). I believe it would serve as a training ground for him to lead the party,” he added.

The task force also includes Bangkuai, the two other deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki and treasurer-general Datuk Lu Kim Yen.

PBS Wanita Chief Datin Malianah Ugau said the women’s wing supported Ongkili’s decision as he was giving priority to the party and members’ interests to move forward.

“The women’s movement supports Ongkili’s decision,” she added.