Will Wan Azizah back Thamrin’s ousting?
Sabah PKR insiders have hinted that a leadership change in the state could happen as early as next week.
Queville To, FMT
OTA KINABALU: Sabah PKR has submitted a memorandum to its national president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, proposing that Klias assemblyman Lajim Ukin head the state party as he is “the most qualified person for the job”.
The memorandum was apparently handed over to Wan Azizah, together with a letter, during a meeting on May 24.
Acting PKR Beaufort divisional chief Taufick Ruschi said there was “a strong possibility” that current president Ahmad Thamrin Jaini would be replaced soon as the party’s chief in Sabah.
“We are hopeful that the president will give our proposal due consideration because currently there is no one more suitable and qualified to lead the state PKR, than Lajim.
“But we respect the central leadership’s decision and will accept whoever is appointed as the state Chairman but we hope that the leadership will take the divisional chiefs’ opinion seriously,” he said.
So far 19 out of the 25 divisions in the state have done so.
Taufick, who is also PKR Sabah’s Voter Registration and Membership Bureau chairman, said that the divisions who had voted for a change in the state PKR leadership are Papar, Sipitang, Beaufort, Beluran, Keningau, Labuan FT, Kinabatangan, Pensiangan, Silam, Kimanis, Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Sepanggar, Kalabakan, Kudat, Tenom and Kota Belud.
They believe Lajim will bring new ideas to the Sabah PKR leadership and also rejuvenate the people’s confidence in the party.
“There’s an urgent need to reform and re-invent Sabah PKR to better prepare for the 14th general election.
“I know people are saying that senior members should be given priority but we must keep in mind that Lajim has vast experience in politics. I personally would turn it down if offered to lead the state leadership,” he said.
“Lajim’s appointment as the opposition’s chief whip in the state assembly is a clear hint (that Wan Azizah will accept the proposal),” he said.
