Lajim expects axe from Umno, keen on Pakatan

Umno supreme council member Lajim Ukin said he is prepared to sacrifice his position as deputy housing and local government minister and leave the party.

However, the Beaufort MP said he is undecided on whether to join another party including the opposition as he is keeping his options open. 

Speaking to a crowd of 500 people at Kampung Bukit Kallam in Labuan yesterday, he said he will continue to struggle to uphold Sabah’s rights and fight corruption and cronyism.

“I will sacrifice my monthly pay and perks as a deputy minister to uphold Sabah’s rights and fight corruption and cronyism,” he said, adding his actions may see him being sacked from Umno.

Last month, Lajim (right), in celebrating his 57th birthday, hadtendered his resignation as Kerambai Kebatu Umno branch chief and had said he would not seek re-election as the Beaufort Umno division chief, of which he is an MP.

Speaking to Malaysiakini over the phone today he confirmed he was at Kampung Bukit Kallam and was prepared to leave Umno.

“Yes, it is true as it is reported in the Sabah newspapers today. However, I have not made any decision on which party to join or to... (remain independent).  I am keeping my options open,” he said when contacted.

Lajim was yesterday speaking at the house of former Kuala Penyu independent candidate John Ghani who defeated Upko’s Wences Anggan, a then-deputy chief minister.

It was reported that Lajim had had a tiff with Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman for not nominating him to defend the Beaufort seat for BN in the last 2008 general election. However, a timely intervention by then-BN president and premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had seen his name included. 

There were rumours that Musa wanted his son to take over Lajim’s MP seat, which prompted Lajim to say, “I don’t know where I stand. But I am not afraid of what I am going to do. I am only scared of God, my father and teacher. I’m not even scared of Satan.”

He was reported to be frustrated with BN for cutting off his MP development fund allocation since he became critical.

Lajim was also reported last month to have rubbished speculationthat his supporters in the party wanted him to defect to PKR, but stressed that nothing is impossible in politics.