PARTI Bersatu Sabah (PBS) today saw a smooth leadership transition, with founder and president Joseph Pairin Kitingan handing over the reins to his deputy, Maximus Ongkili.

Pairin will now serve as adviser to the president of PBS, which was formed in 1985 and is the oldest surviving party in the state.

The 74-year-old veteran politician had repeatedly hinted at his retirement in recent years.

Radin Malleh takes over from Ongkili as deputy president, while Senator Jamilah Sulaiman and Yee Moh Chai retained their posts as deputy presidents for the Muslim Bumiputera and Chinese quota, respectively.

Jamilah won unopposed, while Yee emerged victorious in a straight fight with Edward Yong Oui Fah. Yee received 387 votes to Yong’s 151.

Kundasang assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunsalam won a four-cornered contest for the vice-presidency (non-Muslim Bumiputera quota), and Almudin Kaida and Peter Mak secured the same post for the Muslim Bumiputera and Chinese quota, respectively.

Tandek rep Anita Baranting retained the Wanita chief post, while Christopher Mandut won the Youth wing’s top spot. – November 18, 2018.