He was previously the party’s deputy president and assumed the position of acting president following the death of his father, Joseph Kurup, on April 17.
Arthur described his unopposed win as an act of trust by party members that he deeply appreciated as PBRS had adopted an open policy of allowing elections for all posts.
“When that decision was taken, I didn’t expect all divisions to nominate me … I’m deeply thankful for the trust.
“This message means that PBRS is united behind our party leadership,” he said after the conference.
PBRS has almost 200,000 members in 41 divisions throughout Sabah.
On the differences in leadership styles between him and his father, Arthur said there were differences but he wanted the core party values of loyalty, integrity and being people-centric to be retained.
“The changes in times will always happen. When my father started the party in 1994, it really suited the political era then.
“For political parties to remain relevant, we have to change with the times but there are certain values we need to retain,” he said.
He said the party would focus on state seats within the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency but it depended on discussions with the Barisan Nasional leadership.
“That is definitely one the party we will negotiate with. We will work together closely with the BN components,” he said.
Arthur is also the federal deputy agriculture and food security minister.
Those elected as PBRS Supreme Council members for the 2025-2027 term are:
President: Arthur Joseph Kurup
Deputy president: Richard Kastum
Vice-president 1: Motusin Bowie @ Matius
Vice-president 2: Nomriin Rosnie Manain
Vice-president 3: Vincent Lee @ Lee Yung Soon
Vice-president 4: Dr Zhamriee Gulam Rasul
Vice-president 5: Fung Hon Yi
Vice-president 6 (youth chief): Jessel CP Yansalang
Vice-president 7 (women chief): Zainon Kayum Khan
Secretary-general: Richard Kastum
Deputy secretary-general (work secretary): Yillson Yanggun
Honorary treasurer: Edward Yong
Deputy honorary treasurer: Alfeus Anis
Information chief: Fredie Sua
Deputy information chief: Fazil Ajak
Supreme Council members:
- Duanis Mogirong @ Djuanis Kadamaian
- Latifah Comidis
- Yus Pg Pinsin
- Manasie Salat
- Morris Anis Nabawan
- Edward @ Word Sindam
- Jairin Samud
- Albert Angilus @ Khairul
- Gindudul @ Thomas Tovil
- Norman Lantayan @ Abdul Hamid
- Dr Edwin Laimin
- Pius @ Roney Ganang
- Kosmas Angot
- Juliyus Palayak
- Dumatin Laihon
- Charles Ikang