DATUK Seri Maximus Ongkili will be taking leave as the Parti Bersatu Sabah president, while his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, will assume the role of acting president.
PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Mojungki said Ongkili’s leave would commence on June 1.
Additionally, party information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai will assume the role of acting deputy president for the non-Muslim quota, a position previously held by Joachim.
“The 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 in a statement.
Concerns over the health of the 70-year-old leader arose after he underwent treatment for extreme exhaustion in 2020.
Last September, PBS affairs were managed by a task force operating under Ongkili’s instructions.
The former Kota Marudu MP had also expressed his readiness to step down as the party leader last year.
He plans to relinquish the position before the party election in 2025 to allow the party to identify potential leaders to take over as president.
Ongkili took the reins as acting president in 2017 from Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. – The Vibes, April 7, 2024
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