KOTA KINABALU – Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) today affirmed that Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili is still party president, following speculation over his health and public absence leading to the rumour that he would make way for new leadership.
According to the party’s number two, Datuk Seri Joachim Gunsalam, Ongkili has entrusted a six-person task force to run party affairs temporarily during his absence.
Ongkili had a stroke this year and is currently incapacitated.
Gunsalam said the task force had taken over affairs of PBS since June.
“For the policy address during the congress, the president (Ongkili) will be present, but I will deliver his speech.
“All the ideas and contents are his (Ongkili),” he told the media during a luncheon here today.
The party will be holding its 38th congress over the weekend.
Gunsalam also rubbished rumours that former party president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan will sit in as PBS president during Ongkili’s absence.
“No, Tan Sri is not coming back. The president has appointed a special task force to look into the party in his absence.
“We are running the party. The president is 110% behind us, as we are only doing all his work,” he said.
The task force comprises Gunsalam (deputy president), Datuk Yee Moh Chai (deputy president), Datuk Jahid Jahim (deputy president), Julita Mojungki (secretary-general), Datuk Lu Kam Yen (treasurer) and Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (information chief).
In January, Ongkili indicated his readiness to step down as PBS president and had sought his term to be cut short to 18 months, while a successor would be identified during the timeframe.
Meanwhile, Joachim also clarified that there will be no merger with Sabah Star party led by Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan yet, but the party will continue to work with Star to strengthen the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alliance.
Both Star and PBS are components of GRS.
He said cooperation with Star will be among the agendas to be discussed during the third PBS congress on Sunday.
“A merger is still not on the cards…we also have our own team (for discussions) with Star, and it will be led by the secretary-general. I don’t think there’s a time frame for this,” he said.
Meanwhile, the party secretary-general said PBS will seek to amend the party constitution on several matters, including asserting the role of the Premier Advisory Council in the party, the creation of a new wing, and encouraging greater youth involvement in politics.
Majungki said 64 of the 74 divisions involving around 800 delegates will take part in this year’s congress.
The PBS women and youth congress will commence on Saturday.
Also present at the luncheon was PBS Youth chief Christopher Mandut. – The Vibes, September 20, 2023
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