Tawau: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) still holds to its original stand that it disagrees with the rotation system for the Sabah Chief Minister’s post, its President Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said Saturday.However, the party would abide by any decision of the Barisan Nasional (BN) leadership on the system which is into its ninth year this year.
“As a BN component party, PBS will accept the decision of the leadership on whether to continue or scrap the rotation system,” he told reporters after meeting four PBS division leaders and members, here.
He said the rotation system could be fine-tuned by making certain adjustments if it was to be continued.
Pairin was the last Chief Minister of Sabah before the rotation system was introduced in March 1994 when the BN took over the helm of the State administration from PBS.
The system, which has seen the appointment of six chief ministers so far - was to enable leaders of the three main communities in Sabah - Muslim Bumiputeras, Chinese and non-Muslim Bumiputeras - to helm the State Government under a two-year rotation.
The system, however, underwent a slight adjustment two years ago when the present Chief Minister Datuk Chong Kah Kiat was appointed to the post.
Under the new format, Umno will hold the Chief Minister’s post for two terms for each round of rotation while only once for the Chinese and non-Muslim Bumiputeras.
The new format will see Chong, representing the Chinese, handing over the reins to a leader from Umno in March. - Bernama
