Ongkili hands presidency duties to Gunsalam with immediate effect

Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili and Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (right).

KOTA KINABALU: After six years of leading Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili officially took leave from his presidency duties on Saturday (June 1).

In his place, Ongkili appointed his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, as the acting president, with immediate effect.

“Today, the time has come for a change that I am confident will bring renewal, namely the handing over or the transfer of my duties and responsibilities as president to the acting appointee chosen by me, in accordance with the provisions in Article 15 (iii) (a) of the PBS Constitution, which is our deputy president Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam.

“We must realise that it is not easy for a leader to relinquish his position, duties, and roles to a successor among the line of leaders,” said Ongkili’s message, which PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki read.

Ongkili is suffering speech impairment following a second stroke in February 2023.

“My hope is that with this appointment, our party leadership remains united to continue the unfinished struggle for the people and the state of Sabah,” he said.

Ongkili also expressed his “deepest gratitude” to party leaders and members for their confidence in him as PBS president.