The Kota Marudu MP said a three-year time period would allow the party to look for the best candidate to succeed him.

“We (PBS) will identify the right candidate (to replace me). Perhaps the candidate will be known after the contest (for deputy president) this Thursday,” he told the press after opening the annual convention of delegates from PBS Youth and Wanita.

Ongkili won his presidency uncontested. The Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister was made the acting president of the party in 2017 after the former president, Joseph Pairin Kitingan, announced his retirement from politics.

He was appointed president of the party the following year.

The PBS elections, which start today, will see 164 candidates vying for various positions from the youth and women’s wings as well as its top leadership.

Eyes are on who will serve as Ongkili’s deputy with two party heavyweights competing for the post.

PBS vice-president and Sabah deputy chief minister Joachim Gunsalam will be contesting for the post against party secretary-general Joniston Bangkuai, who is also the state assistant tourism, culture and environment minister.