Klias assemblyman Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin is all set to become Sabah opposition leader in the state legislative assembly.
In announcing this Saturday, Sabah Parti Keadilan Rakyat (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 (Datuk Seri Salleh Tun 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 is recommended as opposition leader," he told reporters, here, today .
Also present were Lajim and Api-Api assemblyman Christina Liew.
Chia also announced that Liew was chosen as the PKR whip for Sabah.
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, similar 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 Tun Juhar Mahiruddin on Monday.
In the 13th general election on May 5, the Barisan Nasional (BN), led by charismatic Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, retained power in Sabah with two-thirds majority after winning 48 of the 60 state seats.
source: http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v7/po/newspolitics.php?id=956348
