KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) leaders have refuted speculation that party president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili is stepping down due to health concerns.
They said Ongkili, who will turn 70 in October, is still PBS president.
PBS deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said Ongkili had temporarily delegated party affairs to a six-member special task force but would attend the upcoming 38th party congress.
Gunsalam said he would deliver Ongkili's policy speech and PBS premier advisor Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan would open the congress.
He added that Ongkili is still recovering from an illness but remains active.
"There is a time frame for us to run the affairs of the party, but we will see at the congress if he wants to extend the task force or not," he said
PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki added that Ongkili was still well and would attend the congress.
Party information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Ongkili was still in touch with the task force.
"He has been in the thick of things, advising us what to do. Despite the perception, there is nothing to be worried about," said the Kiulu assemblyman.
Ongkili has not made a public appearance since losing his Kota Marudu seat in GE15.
Gunsalam also dismissed speculation that Ongkili could step aside as PBS president and Pairin could possibly return temporarily to take over.
"He is basically running the party. We are only doing his work."
The task force comprises Gunsalam deputy presidents Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai, Datuk Jahid Jahim, Datuk Lu Kim Yen, Majungki and Bangkuai.
