Joachim Gunsalam

• Serving consistently as MLA since March 21, 2004, Joachim has built long-term trust in his constituency under PBS and GRS coalitions

• Assistant State Minister for Housing & Local Government (2013–2018): He gained early administrative experience managing housing and municipal affairs under Chief Minister Musa Aman’s cabinet

• Deputy Chief Minister III & State Minister of Industrial Development (Sept 2020–Jan 2023): Appointed after the 2020 Sabah state election, he spearheaded Sabah’s industrial growth policies. Notably, he is credited with attracting multi‑billion‑ringgit investment projects into the state

• Deputy Chief Minister II & State Minister of Housing & Local Government (from Jan 2023): Overseeing both housing and local governance, he works closely with the Sabah Housing Board (LPPB) to deliver affordable housing and quality town development aligned with the state’s development agenda

• Housing & Stakeholder Collaboration: Advocates partnerships with architects (notably the PAM Sabah chapter) and other stakeholders to develop innovative, affordable, and sustainable housing, reflecting social inclusivity and green building principles

• Reforming Local Council Enforcement: Hosted the landmark 2024 Local Authority Enforcement Conference, pushing for reforms emphasizing integrity, accountability, technology adoption, and a community-centric approach in enforcement mechanisms.

• Promoting Architecture Profession: Emphasized the importance of architecture in shaping Sabah’s identity and urban development—urging mentorship programs, support for young designers, and environmentally mindful design strategies

• Deputy President (Non‑Muslim Bumiputera quota) since June 2022, working alongside other deputies to steer party direction

• Acting President of PBS from June 1, 2024, temporarily assuming leadership duties from party president Maximus Ongkili

• MLA for Kundasang since 21 March 2004, representing the United Sabah Party (PBS) Held roles including:

  • Deputy Chief Minister III & State Minister of Industrial Development (29 Sept 2020 – 11 Jan 2023)

  • Since 11 January 2023, serving as Deputy Chief Minister II and State Minister of Housing & Local Government of Sabah

• Proposed establishing a State Native Law Journal to systematically record proceedings of Native Courts for legal continuity and cultural preservation

• Promoted Sabah’s long-term vision under the SMJ (Sabah Maju Jaya) Development Plan, emphasizing green architecture, sustainable urbanism, and economic expansion by 2030

• Elected Deputy President of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) for the non-Muslim Bumiputera quota in June 2022, after previously serving as PBS Vice‑President; appointed Acting President in June 2024

Sabah mining licence bribery allegations – denied (Jul 2, 2025): Joachim (then PBS acting president; DCM II & Local Govt and Housing Minister) publicly denied claims linking him to alleged bribery related to mineral prospecting licences, calling a Malaysiakini report “grossly irresponsible.” Multiple outlets covered his denial. The VibesFree Malaysia TodayThe StarBorneo Post OnlineDaily Express

Housing bill penalties debate (Apr 17–26, 2025): A bill tabled by Joachim reduced proposed jail terms for rogue developers from five to three years, drawing criticism in the state assembly and sparking debate; industry group SHAREDA later suggested heavier fines instead of jail. Borneo Post Online

• PPR rent-to-own stance (Jul 8, 2025): Clarified that Sabah hadn’t adopted rent-to-own for PPR units due to high rental demand and queue management. Daily Express
• Squatter settlement strategy (Mar 9, 2024): As chair of the state committee, pushed “zero squatter” policies and planning for government-aided housing. The Vibes
• Customary leaders retained (Jan 26, 2024): Announced cabinet decision to maintain positions of customary leaders (with limited exceptions). Jesselton Times