Bung Moktar is new Sabah Umno chief

Kinabatangan MP Bung Moktar Radin has been appointed as the new chairperson of Umno Sabah Liaision Commitee, replacing Hajiji Mohd Noor who had exited the party with more than a dozen others today.

This was among the appointments announced by the party's secretary-general Annuar Musa in a special press conference at Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur today. 

Annuar also announced that Sepanggar MP Takub Khan would be Bung's deputy, while Tenom MP Raimi Unggi would be the new information chief.

Umno Kinabatangan deputy chief Jeffry Ariffin was announced as the new secretary of the liaision committee.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was present at the press conference, said Umno Sabah would not be dissolved despite the exodus of its leaders.

"What happened in Sabah was something that has been expected and this will not weaken Umno, which has contributed a lot to the people in Sabah.

"Umno's entry into Sabah in 1991 had changed the landscape of the state's socio-economy and this Malay party will continue to defend that," he said, adding that the party would take immediate action to reorganise the Umno Sabah liaision committee.

Replacement for PAC chair

Commenting on PAC chairperson Ronald Kiandee, who had also left the party, Zahid (left in photo) said that Umno would suggest other names to the government for the position in the parliamentary committee.

"The position of PAC chairperson is part of the current government's manifesto, and it is a different issue compared to Sabah Umno's position. If we hold on to that (jika kita berpegang kepada itu), Umno will identify Kiandee's replacement. 

"The BN chairperson will send a notice to the speaker in regards to the position of the PAC chairperson and we will suggest other names," he said.

Zahid remained optimistic that Umno Sabah will persevere despite current challenges, due to solid support from the grassroots.

"From our observation, no division will be dissolved. The support from the grassroots is still strong so far but whatever the situation will be, we will face it together," he said. - Mkini