PBS replaces women’s chief after Warisan defection

PBS president Maximus Ongkili (second left) hands over the appointment letter to Malianah Ugau who is now the party’s acting women’s chief.

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has appointed Malianah Ugau as acting women’s chief to replace former party stalwart Anita Baranting who joined Warisan last week.

Malianah, who is the wife of Tamparuli assemblyman and PBS secretary-general Jahid Jahim, is the deputy women’s wing chief. She has been with the party for over 20 years and received unanimous support from the wing for the post.

Her appointment as acting women’s chief was announced by PBS president Maximus Ongkili during a special meeting at the party headquarters in Penampang today.

In his speech, Ongkili reiterated his disappointment over the sudden departure of Baranting, who is also Tandek assemblyman.

“It is a real disappointment for us all, and for me personally because we trained her well over the decades.”

Adding however that it was “not the end of the world”, he urged those who remained in the wing to continue the party’s struggle.

Malianah, meanwhile, said she was grateful for the opportunity to lead the wing and vowed to work hard to further strengthen it.

“We will unite, and be patient and faithful. We assure the party president and top leadership that we still stay.” - FMT