Joachim wins PBS presidency unopposed, Joniston deputy president

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has been declared the winner of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) presidency unopposed.

Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, also won unopposed as deputy president for the 2026 to 2029 term.

PBS secretary-general and party election committee chairman Datuk Julita Mojungki said Joachim, who has been acting president for the past three years, was the sole candidate for the post when nominations closed on July 31.

She said Kiulu assemblyman Joniston was the sole candidate for the deputy president post under the non-Muslim bumiputera quota.

"Likewise, Sabah Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharram won unopposed for the Muslim bumiputera quota after the other candidate received only one nomination.

"A candidate needs at least three nominations to qualify to contest in the party election," she said in a statement today.

For the deputy president post under the Chinese quota, two candidates qualified — Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Lo Su Fui and PBS supreme council member Goon Thien Shang.

Three candidates are contesting two vice-president posts under the non-Muslim bumiputera quota: Tandek assemblyman Datuk Hendrus Anding, Telupid assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone J Kurum and incumbent Datuk Johnny Mositun.

Under the Muslim bumiputera quota, six candidates qualified for two posts — incumbent Mursid Mohd Rais, Sharol Mahoolop, Zamil Ismail, Kasirin Kamiran, Ali Latif Taha and Dr Rodah Sawang.

Five candidates are vying for the single vice-president post under the Chinese quota: incumbent Datuk Arthur Sen, Datuk Fredian Gan, Goon Thien Shang, Datuk Johnny Goh and Ng Tze Sai.

For the supreme council, 28 candidates are contesting seven non-Muslim bumiputera seats, 23 candidates for five Muslim bumiputera seats and 15 candidates for four Chinese quota seats.

Julita said nominations closed on Aug 7 with 79 nominations received for all posts, including more than half from first-time contestants.

Joachim said the high number of candidates, about half of them new faces, showed strong interest in serving the party. "This is very good for the process of rejuvenating PBS," he said.

The Kundasang assemblyman said preparations for the PBS congress scheduled for September were also discussed.

"Thorough preparation is very important to ensure the congress runs smoothly and becomes the best platform to strengthen party unity, renew commitment to the struggle and chart the future direction for the people and the future of Sabah," he said.