Joseph Pairin Kitingan proposed as Sabah's new head of state

Suman at the press conference.

KOTA KINABALU: Paramount leader of the Kadazandusun Murut communities Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has been proposed as the next head of state.

This was suggested by the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) through its secretary-general Suman Yasambun.

He said Pairin, 82, a former chief minister, is a leader amongst the natives and can fully represent Sabah as the next head of state.

“He checks all the requirements and we hope the state government can consider his name,” he said in a press conference on Wednesday (Sept 28).

Suman said this has nothing to do with race or religion, because he is sure this topic would spark debate among the people.

“What we hope is to have Pairin be considered for the state governor post when the term for the current head of state, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, is up,” he said.

He also said that this is part of the KDCA’s effort to push forward rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).