Najib to decide on Lajim’s position on Monday

PEKAN, July 28 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak said tonight a decision on Datuk Lajim Ukim’s position as deputy housing and local government minister would be made on Monday.

Najib said he was not surprised by Lajim’s decision. — File pic

The prime minister, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman and Umno president, said Lajim’s decision to quit as Umno supreme council member, Beaufort Umno chief and Beaufort BN chairman was something that had been expected by him and Umno. 

“It had been expected because his actions and statements he had been making lately were contrary to the party’s policies.

“I am not surprised by his decision. In any case no one is bigger than the party and it is loyalty that counts.

“We accept the fact that there is a difference in opinion between us but these can be resolved through the right channels and it is only whether it can be done quickly or not,” he told reporters after performing terawih prayers at Masjid Ubudiah Kampung Mambang in Chini here. 

Najib said leaders quitting Umno was not something new as even party founder Datuk Onn Jaafar himself had taken this path.

“Nevertheless, as an experienced party, we can overcome this challenge,” he said.

Lajim today announced his resignation in Kota Kinabalu from Umno and BN posts with immediate effect. 

However, he said he would maintain his post as deputy minister as this was for the prime minister to decide and would remain as an Umno member unless the party decides to sack him. — Bernama