KOTA KINABALU: Parti Bersatu Sabah leaders have given a positive response to president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili's decision to go on leave from June 1.
His departure will see the elevation of Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Datuk Joniston Bangkuai as acting president and acting deputy president respectively.
Youth chief Christopher Mandut said the positive response to Ongkili, 65, going on leave was recorded on social media, following the announcement by secretary general Datuk Julita Majungki over the weekend.
"Generally, they (Supreme Council members and divisional leaders) welcome the decision and pledge their support to the appointments made by the president.
"While we cannot help but feel sentimental over the matter (of Ongkili taking leave), we have nothing but praise for him."
He described Ongkili as a leader who made this decision for the good of the party.
Vice-president Datuk Daniel Kinsik said Joachim had showed his credibility by leading the party task force, set up to run party affairs while Ongkili was recuperating until his planned transition by next year.
The task force also included Joniston, Majungki, deputy presidents Datuk Seri Dr Yee Moh Chai and Datuk Jahid Jahim, and treasurer-general Datuk Lu Kim Yen.
Wanita chief Datin Malianah Ugau said she believed Ongkili made the decision to go on leave with the best interest of the party and its members in mind.
"The women's movement supports his decision."
With Joachim's elevation, Bangkuai will act as the non-Muslim Bumiputera deputy president and remain as information chief.
Ongkili, a Sabah member of parliament from 2004 to 2022, had said in 2022 that he would serve for three more years before stepping down as president next year.
Former president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan had said Ongkili's decision was good and sensible.
"Although I am not the one who decided on it (the transition), as an ex-president, we want a transition that is good and sensible."