BEAUFORT: Persatuan Bisaya Bersatu Sabah (PBBS) President Datuk Ruslan Muharam was officially installed as ‘Janang Gayuh Bisaya’ on Saturday, ending a four-year vacancy in the Bisaya community’s highest leadership position.
The conferment of the title, meaning ‘Supreme Leader of the Bisaya’, was officiated by Head of State Tun Musa Aman at a ceremony held here, attended by leaders from various ethnic communities.
Among those present were Huguan Siou Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Persatuan Masyarakat Brunei Sabah President Datuk Dr. Ariffin Arif, Persatuan Bisaya Sarawak patron Datuk Paulus Gumbang and Klias Assemblyman Datuk Isnin Aliasnih.
Ruslan, who is also Lumadan Assemblyman cum Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister said he was honoured by the recognition.
“I am grateful for this honour after four years as PBBS President since 2022. My service during this period was evaluated by a special PBBS committee before I was installed as Janang Gayuh Bisaya,” he said when met after the ceremony.
“This trust I will fulfil as a responsibility and continue the legacy of the previous Janang Gayuh, the late Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, who was my idol and mentor,” he said.
Ruslan said the honour also represents a significant responsibility to ensure the interests of the Bisaya community are protected across all sectors.
The position of Janang Gayuh had been vacant since 2021 following the passing of the late Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, who served as PBBS President for 34 years and was the former Beaufort Member of Parliament.
