"I respect the decision of Sabah UMNO," Zahid Hamidi comments on Hajiji's appointment as Chief Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he took note of the consensus reached in talks among Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) assemblymen that Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor is their chief ministerial candidate.

Ahmad Zahid said he was informed by Sabah UMNO Chairman, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin that the decision was reached to ensure that the interests of the people of Sabah can be fought for immediately.

“I respect the decision on the basis of the spirit of autonomy of Sabah UMNO which has already been agreed upon.

"Hopefully, the new government formed can immediately focus on various agendas to defend the interests of the people of Sabah as enshrined in the GRS undertaking," he added.

Ahmad Zahid who is also UMNO President, said he tended to see the post handed over to UMNO following the party having the largest number of State Assembly (DUN) seats in the GRS.

In a press conference earlier today, Hajiji and Bung Moktar informed that a decision has been reached to nominate the Sulaman assemblyman as the next chief minister.

Apart from Bung Moktar, also present at the press conference were the President of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan; and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary-general, Datuk Jahid Jahim and GRS elected representatives.

According to the Sabah Information Department, the Sabah Chief Minister's Swearing-In Ceremony is scheduled to take place at the State Palace at 10.30 am tomorrow.