Ongkili is now PBS acting president

Ongkili has been Joseph Pairin Kitingan's deputy president for 23 years.

KOTA KINABALU: Dr Maximus Ongkili has taken over as acting president of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), with immediate effect.

Joseph Pairin Kitingan passed the baton to Ongkili at the party’s first supreme council meeting held today at its headquarters here.

“Pairin is taking leave from his presidential duties but will continue to carry out his ministerial and community work until the end of the term,” said PBS secretary-general Johnny Mositun in a statement today.

Ongkili’s appointment is the second phase of the succession plan for the party.

On July 29 last year, Pairin initiated the power transition process when he empowered Ongkili, who has been his deputy president for 23 years, to carry out the presidential duties.

Mositun said Pairin would still be around to facilitate, provide guidance and work with the party in the coming general election.

He said Ongkili will oversee all party matters, including preparations for the coming general election. Ongkili is at present federal energy, green technology and water minister.

“Tan Sri (Pairin) has called on party leaders at all levels to cooperate, stay united and work hard to ensure Barisan Nasional’s victory in the next election and to render similar support to the acting president.” -FMT