KOTA KINABALU: Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai could not be made acting deputy president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) as the position is not technically vacant, says Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
There had been an announcement earlier that Bangkuai, the information chief, would take that role while deputy president Gunsalam stepped up as acting party president.
This was concerning party president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili taking leave from Saturday (June 1) for health reasons.
ALSO READ: Ongkili hands presidency duties to Gunsalam with immediate effect
Gunsalam clarified on Wednesday (June 5) that he was still officially the party's deputy president and as such, there was no vacancy for someone to act in that capacity.
He said any line-up changes can only happen at the next party election.
"I’m still the deputy president. I am only acting president until the next party election," he said.
On Saturday, Ongkili officially handed over the duties of the president to Gunsalam, who is Deputy Chief Minister II and state Local Government and Housing Minister.
Ongkili, who was president for six years, said he would focus on his health and recovery and believed that Gunsalam would help with the party's renewal.
ALSO READ: Ongkili to take leave from PBS presidency effective June this year
When announcing plans in April for Ongkili to go on leave from June, party secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki said Gunsalam would be acting president while Bangkuai would be given the additional responsibility of acting deputy president.
Majungki said the move was to ensure continuity and for members to adapt to the new leadership structure.
PBS is part of the state's ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance.
