Acting PBS chief says he is still the deputy
KOTA KINABALU: A move to make Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai acting deputy president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) cannot be done because there was no vacancy for the position, it has been pointed out.

Acting PBS president Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the deputy president’s post remained under him, adding that he was only acting as the party president as the ailing incumbent Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili had taken leave from June 1.

“I am only acting (president) until the next party election. I am still the deputy president,” he said when asked about an earlier announcement for Bangkuai, the party’s Information chief, to be made acting deputy president from June 1.

Gunsalam said any change can only take place during the next party election.

On June 1, Ongkili handed over duties of the presidency to Gunsalam, who is Deputy Chief Minister II and state Local Government and Housing Minister.

Ongkili, who has been president for six years, said he was focusing on his health and recovery and believed that Gunsalam as acting head would help implement the party’s renewal.

In announcing plans this April for Ongkili to go on leave as president from June, PBS secretary-general Datuk Julita Majungki said Gunsalam would helm the party as acting president while Bangkuai would be given the “additional” responsibility of acting deputy president.

Majungki had said the move was to ensure continuity and adapt to the party’s leadership structure which ultimately served the interests of the party and its members.

PBS is part of the state’s ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance.
Sabah & Sarawak,Joniston Bangkuai
KOTA KINABALU: A move to make Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai acting deputy president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) cannot be done because there was no vacancy for the position, it has been pointed out.