Joachim confirmed as PBS president, Joniston elected deputy

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joachim Gunsalam has been officially elected as the new president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS). Previously serving as the interim president since June 2024, Joachim's election confirms his role as the leader of PBS. His rival for the position, Joniston Bangkuai, has been unanimously elected as the party's new deputy president. The two were both nominated as the only candidates for their respective top positions in the upcoming PBS election.

Joachim, who defeated Bangkuai in a previous race for the deputy presidency in 2022, previously held the deputy president post on an interim basis after the previous president, Maximus Ongkili, stepped down due to health issues. Joniston, a four-term Kiulu assemblyman, is also the current information chief of PBS.

Meanwhile, assistant minister Ruslan Muharram has been elected unopposed as the new deputy president for the Muslim Bumiputera quota, replacing Jahid Jahim, who declined to defend the position. For the Chinese quota, Lo Su Fui and Goon Thien Shang will contest the position. Three leaders, including incumbent Johnny Mositun, are vying for the two non-Muslim Bumiputera vice-president posts, while six candidates are running for the two Muslim Bumiputera vice-president posts.

The Chinese vice-presidency will be contested by Arthur Sen, Fredian Gan, Goon Thien Shang, Johnny Goh, and Ng Tze Sai.