Inanam rep Roland Chia to decide on "resignation" after Christmas

KOTA KINABALU: Inanam assemblyman Dr Roland Chia will make an announcement about his future after Christmas.

In a midnight tweet through his handle @RolandChiaMs and Facebook, Dr Chia said: "To Media n Friends. Tks 4ur concern. I am currently abroad. Will make formal media statement after Christmas.”

This is the first time the 44-year-old Tawau-born dental surgeon had communicated after announcing on Wednesday his plans to resign from the state seat which he won in the 2013 general election.

The Pakatan Rakyat coalition picked up 12 of the 60 state seats, denting Barisan Nasional’s hold in Sabah.

However, by late 2013, a DAP and two PKR elected representatives left their parties to voice support for Barisan.

Dr Chia’s name was among several PR elected members mentioned to be moving out of the opposition coalition. At that time he had issued statements denying the rumours.

Following his abrupt intention to resign as assemblyman on health reasons, political mills have been speculating of a tiff between him and Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Lajim Ukin which has been denied.

Other speculations include a power play at the national PKR.

PKR secretary general Rafizi Ramli reported said it was purely a health issue on the part of Dr Chia who had written to the party about his health condition described as serious. He also informed of his intention to resign.

Rafizi said the party would further discuss the issue when Dr Chia returns from abroad.

"His position (as Inanam assemblyman) will remain status quo,’’ Rafizi added.

Sabah State Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Tun Said said his office had not received any letter of resignation from Dr Chia and as such there was no vacancy for the Inanam state seat.

Dr Chia won with a majority of 3,202 votes against Barisan’s Parti Bersatu Sabah candidate Joseph Lantip and local based opposition Sabah Proegressive Party Datuk Eric Majimbun.