The “blessing” of Joseph Pairin Kitingan, the paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) community, remains a decisive factor in the upcoming Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) elections. Analysts believe his influence will be particularly felt in the race for the deputy president’s post.
Pairin is the founding president of PBS and holds the title of Huguan Siou of the KDM community. Despite stepping back from frontline politics, he is widely regarded as the party’s most influential figure.
Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah noted that Pairin’s endorsement provides a form of cultural and moral legitimacy that candidates crave to secure the votes of grassroots members. He added that even without an official statement, a simple public appearance or photo next to a leader can signal consensus to delegates and prevent internal friction.
Pairin founded PBS in 1985 and served as Sabah chief minister until 1994, eventually stepping down as party president in 2018.
Strategic succession planning
The upcoming party polls are expected to see acting president Joachim Gunsalam formally vie for the PBS presidency. Such a move would open up a contest for the non-Muslim Bumiputera deputy president’s position, where Pairin’s influence could prove decisive.
PBS currently maintains three deputy presidents representing the non-Muslim Bumiputera, Muslim Bumiputera, and Chinese communities. Given the party’s KDM roots, the non-Muslim Bumiputera deputy president is traditionally viewed as the next in line to lead the party.
Joachim was elected to this quota in 2022 after defeating Joniston Bangkuai, who now serves as the party’s information chief. The other two deputy presidents are Jahid Jahim and Yee Moh Chai, neither of whom currently holds parliamentary or state seats.
When approached during a recent tourism launch in Kuala Lumpur, Pairin declined to comment on the upcoming party elections, maintaining his neutral public stance.
The role of ultimate mediator
Syahruddin Awang Ahmad, also from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, described Pairin as the party’s “grand elder and ultimate mediator” who continues to play a key role behind the scenes.
His influence is exerted through private consultations and appearances at major party functions, which serve to reinforce unity. On the deputy presidency race, Syahruddin noted that Pairin’s input is crucial because the position is vital for the party’s future succession planning.
Tony Paridi Bagang of Universiti Teknologi Mara Sabah added that Pairin’s role as party adviser provides both legitimacy and direction. He observed that Pairin’s presence reflects historical and symbolic authority, which is essential for sustaining internal cohesion and reinforcing the ideological path of PBS.
