KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has officially installed Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam as its third president, succeeding Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
Joachim, who was elected unopposed for the 2026-2029 term, formally took over at the party’s 41st Annual Delegates Congress here on Saturday (Sept 26).
He is the third president of the 41-year-old party after founding president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Ongkili.
His uncontested election was confirmed after nominations closed on July 31.
Joachim had served as acting president since June 1, 2024, after Ongkili handed over the party’s leadership responsibilities to him.
In his maiden policy speech as president, Joachim outlined plans to strengthen and rejuvenate the party, with unity, stability and integrity as the three main pillars of his leadership.
He said PBS must adapt to changes in the political, communications and generational landscape while remaining true to its principles and continuing to champion Sabah’s rights and interests.
Joachim said the party’s more than four decades of history should not leave it trapped in old approaches, adding that continued renewal was necessary to remain relevant to present and future generations.
He proposed setting up a special task force comprising experienced party members to examine strategies and measures to strengthen and rejuvenate PBS.
The party will also focus on strengthening its organisational structure, embracing technology and digitalisation and developing a new generation of leaders, particularly to reach younger Sabahans.
Joachim said PBS would also strengthen its policy and research capabilities to develop solutions on issues including the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the economy, education, employment, cost of living, rural development and technology.
On the political front, he said PBS would continue working with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) while maintaining its own identity and positions on issues affecting Sabah.
In the new leadership line-up, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department I Datuk Joniston Bangkuai is deputy president representing the non-Muslim Bumiputera quota, while Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam holds the Bumiputera Muslim post.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Lo Su Fui is deputy president representing the Chinese quota.
Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki and Datuk Lu Kim Yen were retained as secretary-general and treasurer-general, respectively, while Associate Professor Dr Bonaventure Boniface was promoted from assistant information chief to information chief.
PBS leadership line-up, 2026-2029
President:
Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam
Deputy presidents:
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai
Datuk Ruslan Muharam
Datuk Lo Su Fui
Vice-presidents – Bumiputera non-Muslim:
Datuk Hendrus Anding
Datuk Johnnybone J Kurum
Vice-presidents – Bumiputera Muslim:
Sahrol Mahoolop
Mursid Mohd Rais
Vice-president – Chinese:
Datuk Arthur Sen Siong Choo
Supreme Council – Bumiputera non-Muslim:
Junid Gunsalam
Datuk John Chryso Masabal
Dr Samuil Mopun
Datuk Suman Yasambun
Stanis Buandi
Masum Takin
Julius Atung
Supreme Council – Bumiputera Muslim:
Fazidah Mohd Yassin
Aliamis Sami
Juin Saman
Aliyu Zinin
John Anthony @ Faizal Abd Rahman
Supreme Council – Chinese:
Yee Tsai Yiew
Tong Yong Wai
Sheiron Chang
Datuk Lim Vun Chan
