Joachim sah presiden PBS, Joniston dipilih timbalan

Dr Joachim Gunsalam has officially taken over the presidency of the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) following his tenure as presiden since 2024, while Joniston Bangkuai assumed the role of deputy president previously held by Joachim. Deputy Chief Minister for Sabah Dr Joachim Gunsalam was officially elected as PBS president, while Deputy Minister Joniston Bangkuai became the new deputy president of the party.

PBS Secretary-General Julita Mojungki announced that Joachim and Joniston won the 2026-2029 term without contesting for the top two positions as they were the only candidates to receive nominations for both. This election confirmed Joachim's position as PBS president after he assumed the role in June 2024, replacing Maximus Ongkili, who stepped down due to health reasons.

In 2022, Joachim defeated Joniston in the PBS deputy president nomination for the non-Islamic Bumiputera quota. However, the position remained vacant as Joachim was appointed as the acting president. Joniston, who served as PBS Kiulu MLA for four terms, had previously served as PBS communications chief. Julita also announced that Deputy Minister Ruslan Muharram was elected without contestation as the deputy president for the Islamic Bumiputera quota, replacing Jahid Jahim, who decided not to retain the position.

For the Chinese Bumiputera deputy president position, former Deputy Minister Lo Su Fui will face the PBS Majlis-Tinggi members. The three leaders competed for the two vice-presidential seats for the non-Islamic Bumiputera quota, which were Johnny Mositun, Hendrus Anding, and Jonnybone J Kurum. Six candidates put themselves forward for two Chinese Bumiputera deputy president positions, which were held by Mursid Rais, Sharol Mahoolop, Zamil Ismail, Kasirin Kamiran, Ali Latif Taha, and Rodah Sawang.

Meanwhile, one vice-presidential seat for the Chinese quota will be contested by Arthur Sen, Fredian Gan, Goon Thien Shang, Johnny Goh, and Ng Tze Sai. According to Julita, a total of 28 candidates competed for the seven non-Islamic Bumiputera seats in the upcoming PBS Majlis-Tinggi. A total of 23 candidates won five Islamic Bumiputera seats, while 15 candidates competed for the four seats allocated to the Chinese community.

PBS, one of the main parties in the Sabah People's Party (GRS) currently holds seven seats in the Dewan Negara and one seat in the Parliament.