By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has taken office as president of Parti Bersatu Sabah, marking a new chapter for the 41-year-old party.
Joachim, elected unopposed for the 2026-2029 term, was confirmed at the party’s 41st Annual Delegates Congress on Saturday.
He is the third president of PBS after founder Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
He had served as acting president since June 1, 2024, when Ongkili handed over leadership.
His nomination was confirmed after nominations closed on July 31.
In his maiden policy speech, Joachim said he would rebuild PBS around three pillars: unity, stability and integrity.
He said PBS must adapt to a changing political and generational landscape while remaining true to its core principles and its fight for Sabah’s rights.
“More than four decades of history should not trap us in old approaches,” he said. “We must renew ourselves to remain relevant.”
He proposed a special task force of veteran members to draw up a rejuvenation strategy, and outlined plans to strengthen the party’s organisation, embrace technology and digitalisation, and groom a new generation of leaders, especially among young Sabahans.
The party will also bolster its policy and research unit to address key issues including the Malaysia Agreement 1963, the economy, education, jobs, the cost of living, rural development and technology.
On politics, Joachim said PBS would continue to work with Gabungan Rakyat Sabah while retaining its own identity and stand on Sabah issues.
Three deputy presidents were elected unopposed – Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (Bumiputera non-Muslim), Datuk Ruslan Muharam (Bumiputera Muslim) and Datuk Lo Su Fui (Chinese).
Datuk Julita Majungki and Datuk Lu Kim Yen were retained as secretary-general and treasurer-general. Associate Professor Dr Bonaventure Boniface was promoted to information chief.
PBS leadership line-up 2026-2029 – President:- Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam; Deputy Presidents:- Joniston Bangkuai, Ruslan Muharam, Lo Su Fui; Vice-Presidents:- Bumiputera non-Muslim – Hendrus Anding and Johnnybone J Kurum; Bumiputera Muslim – Sahrol Mahoolop and Mursid Mohd Rais; and Chinese – Arthur Sen Siong Choo; Supreme Council:- Bumiputera non-Muslim – Junid Gunsalam, John Chryso Masabal, Dr Samuil Mopun, Suman Yasambun, Stanis Buandi, Masum Takin and Julius Atung; Bumiputera Muslim – Fazidah Mohd Yassin, Aliamis Sami, Juin Saman, Aliyu Zinin and John Anthony @ Faizal Abd Rahman; Chinese – Yee Tsai Yiew, Tong Yong Wai, Sheiron Chang and Lim Vun Chan.
Joachim (right), takes over from Dr Maximus (third, right), as new PBS president. Its founder Pairin (second, right), and other senior leaders during the Congress.
