Sabah’s PBS party set for leadership elections amid preparations for GE16

PARTI Bersatu Sabah (PBS) is preparing for leadership elections across all party levels this year, a process expected to see several senior positions, including the presidency, contested.

Acting President Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam (pic) emphasised the importance of electing capable leaders during his address at PBS’s 41st anniversary celebrations.

“This year, it is highly likely that PBS will hold leadership elections at all levels, from the grassroots to the top echelons. I urge all members to choose leaders who can truly guide PBS towards a better future,” he said.

Dr Joachim, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, has been acting as PBS President since 1 June 2024 following Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili’s step back due to health reasons.

He noted that branch-level elections have already begun, with divisional-level voting set to commence shortly.

Dr Joachim is one of three deputy presidents elected during the party’s 2022 leadership contest.

He represents non-Muslim Bumiputera, while Datuk Jahid Jahim and Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai represent Muslim Bumiputera and non-Bumiputera communities, respectively.

PBS is the second-largest component of the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition, which forms the state government following the victory of Parti Gagasan Rakyat under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in the 29 November state election.

Outlining the party’s election timeline, Dr Joachim said divisional-level voting will run until June, with the PBS delegate conference expected in September.

He stressed that despite challenges since its founding in 1985, PBS remains a relevant political force in Sabah.

“Efforts to strengthen the party will continue down to the grassroots level to carry forward our struggle. The public must better understand our mission to maintain strong support for PBS,” he said.

“Voters today are increasingly discerning, and we must continue to work for them.”

Dr Joachim added that PBS will undergo rebranding to ensure its mission is better understood and resonates with the people of Sabah.

He also announced a special session with the PBS Supreme Council to chart a new direction for the party and to prepare for the upcoming 16th General Election, including identifying potential candidates.

Currently, PBS holds one parliamentary seat, having won Tawau in the 2022 general election under the GRS banner, and seven state assembly seats from PRN17.

The party aims to consolidate its position ahead of national polls while ensuring leadership choices reflect members’ aspirations and the party’s long-term goals. - March 6, 2026