- Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The mass exodus of lawmakers and division leaders from Sabah Umno was "expected" and will not weaken the party, claims Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pic).
"What took place in Sabah is a move that was expected.
"This definitely does not weaken the struggle of Umno that has contributed a lot to that state," claimed Zahid.
A mass exodus from Sabah Umno saw nine of 10 of its assemblymen, five of six MPs, 21 of 25 division heads and two senators leaving the party on Wednesday (Dec 12).
"Umno first started in Sabah in 1991 and it has changed the socio-economic status of the state. Umno will continue to defend (membela) the state," recalled Zahid in a press conference here Wednesday (Dec 12).
"However, it must be said that Umno Sabah has not been dissolved although some state leaders have left."
He said that measures are already in place to reshuffle the Sabah Umno state liaison body, following the exit of several Sabah Umno MPs, assemblymen and senators.
He then announced that the lone remaining MP of Sabah Umno, Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (Kinabatangan), was now the Sabah Umno chairman.
He will be replacing Datuk Seri Mohd Hajiji Mohd Noor effective immediately. Bung Moktar's deputy will be Datuk Yakub Khan.
As for Sabah Umno secretary Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, he will be replaced by Datuk Jeffri Ariffin while the new information chief will be Datuk Raime Unggi.
Dr Ahmad Zahid added that Umno already has a replacement plan for the divisions in Sabah and this will be done according to the party's constitution.
When asked about the Public Accounts Committee chairman's position that is currently held by Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, who also left Sabah Umno, Dr Ahmad Zahid said a replacement from the Opposition will be proposed soon.
"We will identify someone to replace him. A notice will be given to the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and we will give suggestions to replace him (Dr Kiandee)," he said.
Pakatan Harapan in its manifesto promised to elect an Opposition lawmaker to helm the post of the PAC chairman.
The Government had proposed Dr Ahmad Zahid but he declined.
Dr Kiandee was subsequently appointed as the chairman in August.
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