KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) supreme council members support the idea of Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam being made acting president when ailing party chief Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili takes leave from his presidential duties.
Party vice-president Datuk Daniel Kinsik said it is an opportunity for Dr Joachim, the deputy president for the non-Muslim Bumiputra quota, to show his leadership ability.
“In the absence of the president, who is unwell, a task force was set up to run party affairs.
“I believe this is a training ground for Dr Joachim to lead the party,” he added.
Members of the task force are deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, information chief Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki and treasurer-general Datuk Lu Kim Yen.
The 70-year-old Ongkili is set to go on leave from his party presidential duties from June 1.
Following this, deputy president Dr Joachim would be made acting president while information chief Bangkuai will be acting deputy president.
Youth chief Christopher Mandut said there was a general consensus among the supreme council members and division leaders on Ongkili’s decision.“Generally, they welcome the decision and pledge their support for the (new) appointments.
“We cannot help but feel sad over Ongkili’s decision to take leave... He is truly a great leader and we believe he made the decision for the good of PBS,” he said.
