KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam and Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai have been elected unopposed as President and Deputy President of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) for the 2026-2029 term.
Secretary-General of PBS and Chairman of the Party Election Committee, Datuk Julita Mojungki, stated that Dr. Joachim, who has been acting as president for the past three years, was the sole candidate for the position when nominations closed on July 31.
She mentioned that Joniston, who is also the Member of the State Assembly (ADUN) for Kiulu, also won unopposed for the Deputy President position under the Non-Islam Bumiputera quota.
Also winning unopposed was the Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, Datuk Ruslan Muharram for the Deputy President position under the Islamic Bumiputera quota after another candidate received only one nomination.
According to Julita, a candidate must receive at least three nominations to qualify for the party election.
For the Deputy President position under the Chinese quota, she noted that two candidates are eligible to contest: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Datuk Lo Su Fui and PBS Supreme Council Member, Goon Thien Shang.
Meanwhile, for the two Vice President positions under the Non-Islam Bumiputera quota, three candidates are eligible to contest: ADUN Tandek, Datuk Hendrus Anding; ADUN Telupid, Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum; and incumbent, Datuk Johnny Mositun.
For the Islamic Bumiputera Vice President quota, six candidates are eligible to compete for the two available positions: incumbent Haji Mursid Mohd Rais, Sharol Mahoolop, Zamil Ismail, Kasirin Kamiran, Ali Latif Taha, and Dr. Rodah Haji Sawang.
Julita added that five candidates are eligible to contest for one Vice President position under the Chinese quota, namely incumbent Datuk Arthur Sen, Datuk Fredian Gan, Goon Thien Shang, Datuk Johnny Goh, and Ng Tze Sai.
Source-Warta Oriental
