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TAMPARULI: Dr Bonaventure Boniface has been elected the new Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Tamparuli Division chief for the 2026-2029 term after winning a two-cornered contest at the division’s 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Dewan Tun Hamdan here.
Bonaventure defeated former deputy division chief Madin Anak to secure the mandate of 650 delegates from the Tamparuli division.
In his maiden address, Bonaventure expressed gratitude to the delegates for their confidence, saying the victory belonged to the entire PBS Tamparuli family.
He paid tribute to outgoing division chief Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim, who led the division for six terms, describing his contributions as a lasting legacy.
“I extend my deepest thanks to Jahid for his leadership, service and sacrifice over six terms leading Tamparuli. He laid the strong foundation for us to continue moving forward,” he said.
Bonaventure also proposed that Jahid be appointed adviser to PBS Tamparuli so that his experience and wisdom could continue to guide the new leadership.
He urged all members to put the contest behind them and unite as one team.
“From today, there is no longer my team or the opposing team. There is only one PBS Tamparuli team.
“Our responsibility now is to strengthen the party, reach out to the people and ensure PBS remains a relevant vehicle for the future of Tamparuli and Sabah,” he said.
Bonaventure also tabled a motion calling for the party’s top post to be uncontested at the upcoming PBS Congress.
He proposed that acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam be elevated to the presidency for the 2026-2029 term to ensure leadership continuity and strengthen PBS’ position in the state government and Sabah’s political landscape.
In the wing elections, incumbent Pemuda chief Rizkam Wenddy Yabin retained his post after defeating George Bagang, while Maclyn Gabu was elected Wanita chief unopposed after previously serving in an acting capacity.
The AGM was held after 85 of the division’s 89 branches completed their respective AGMs, fulfilling the constitutional requirement for the divisional meeting to be convened.
