Arthur Joseph Kurup

Prior Professional Career:

• • Trade and Legal Officer at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva
  • Director of Sabah Housing and Development Town Board

Political Trajectory:

• • Served as Vice President and Youth Chief of PBRS
  • Deputy President of PBRS (Nov 2015 – Jan 2023), before becoming party president
  • Member of Parliament for Pensiangan since 2018, succeeding his father, Joseph Kurup
  • Held consecutive Deputy Minister roles across various portfolios since 2020 (Economic Affairs, Works, Science & Technology, Agriculture & Food Security)

• Elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Pensiangan since 9 May 2018, winning with majorities of 2,314 (2018) and 5,412 (2022) votes.
• Held multiple Deputy Minister roles:
  • Economic Affairs (Prime Minister’s Department), Mar 2020 – Aug 2021
  • Works, Aug 2021 – Nov 2022
  • Science, Technology & Innovation, Dec 2022 – Dec 2023
  • Agriculture & Food Security, from Dec 2023 (current role)
• Became 2nd President of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) on 7 January 2023, succeeding his father.
• Only PBRS MP elected in the 2022 general election, and the sole party president serving in the current federal Cabinet.

Political Party Affiliation

• Member and current President of Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), a component of Barisan Nasional (BN)
• Previously PBRS aligned with Gabungan Bersatu Sabah (GBS) from 2018–2020; returned to BN from 2020 onward

None.

• Political Seat Dispute, Oct 2022: Sabah STAR accused him of not cooperating with state reps in developing Pensiangan, sparking a seat-squabble between GRS and BN. The Vibes
• Oversaw initiatives in Sabah aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s food security, including a RM150 million support package to boost the rice industry and livestock farming. He announced a temporary increase in the paddy purchase floor price from RM1,300 to RM1,500 per metric tonne.The Star
• Reported that over five million 10 kg bags of rice were lost to floods in 2024, a crisis he addressed through targeted aid and infrastructure upgrades.The Star
• Announced disbursement of RM13.23 million in aid to aid flood-affected padi farmers covering 12,800 hectares.The Star
• Warned of a national rice production threat from climate extremes, urging investments in irrigation, flood-resistant varieties, and planting schedule reforms.The Star

Animal Welfare

Reported that 1,766 animal abuse cases have been investigated since 2020, with 52 convictions, and detailed a 10-year national strategy to tackle animal cruelty.The Star

Poultry Subsidy Engagement

Supported dialogue with Johor poultry farmers to address subsidy challenges, earning praise from senior officials for fostering open communication.The Star

Party Leadership

Succeeded his father, Joseph Kurup, as President of PBRS in January 2023, solidifying his leadership role within the party.The Star