Lajim all set to become Sabah opposition leader

Klias assemblyman Lajim Ukin is all set to become Sabah opposition leader in the state legislative assembly.

In announcing this today, Sabah PKR secretary Dr Roland Chia said Lajim emerged victorious in an inner selection among the opposition members which was conducted immediately after the oath-taking ceremony at the state legislative assembly building in Likas, near here, on June 13.

"As pointed out by the Speaker (Salleh Said), the appointment of opposition leader in the Sabah state assembly is not stipulated in the state constitution or in the state assembly standing order.

"So, we took the initiative to decide our opposition leader in the state assembly through a conventional method of selection, and I would like to announce today that Lajim (right) is recommended as opposition leader," he told reporters in Kota Kinabalu today.

Also present were Lajim and Api-Api assemblyman Christina Liew.

Chia also announced that Liew was chosen as the PKR whip for Sabah.

Bigger opposition this time

Of the 60 Sabah state assemblymen, 12 are from the opposition parties of DAP, PKR and Sabah Reform Party (Star).

Chia said the party had already communicated with the secretary of the state legislative assembly on the need for a proper office or a special room with the necessary facilities for the Sabah opposition leader, as well as members of the opposition, similiar to the facilities enjoyed by the opposition leader in Parliament

He said this was in line with the democratic practice in the country.

The first session of the 13th State Legislative Assembly is scheduled to be officially opened by Yang Dipertua Negeri Juhar Mahiruddin on Monday. 

In the 13th general election on May 5, BN, led by Chief Minister Musa Aman, retained power in Sabah with two-thirds majority after winning 48 of the 60 state seats.

- Bernama