Published on: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 |
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), in welcoming the appointment of Datuk Musa Aman as the next Chief Minister, expressed gladness that the announcement was made much earlier.
Its President, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan, said the early announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday has put a stop to the speculations on who will be the next Chief Minister.
I am glad that it was announced quickly as it has put an end to the speculations which have been going on for some time. With the announcement, all can concentrate on the real work, he said.
Pairin, who was Sabahs sixth Chief Minister from 1985-1996, said PBS will continue to give its full support to Musa.
I am happy too that the Barisan Nasional State Government, especially under the present Chief Minister (Datuk Chong Kah Kiat), has tackled the big issues like the illegal immigrant problem and PBS hopes that Datuk Musa will continue the good work, he said.
On whether PBS hopes to be included in the new Cabinet under Musa, Pairin said it is up to the new Chief Minister as it is his prerogative.
Of course there are expectations among the people for us to be included but we will leave it to the new CM to decide, he said.
Pairin said he has known Musa since the Berjaya administration, adding that the Sabah Unmo liasion chief has the experience to lead the State.
On the rotation system for the post of Chief Minister, Pairin said the party felt BN should discuss the issue before the next state election to get a final decision.
PBS, with 13 members in the State Legislative Assembly, forms the second largest party after Umno which has 26 State assemblymen.
