KLIAS Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Lajim Ukin yesterday rubbished talk of possible split within the opposition camp over his appointment as their chief in the State Legislative Assembly.
Stressing that the decision was made based on the consensus of the 12 opposition members, he said all six Parti Keadilan Rakyat leaders, four from Democratic Action Party, and one from Sabah State Reform Party had supported the matter and given their blessings.
“There was no issue of signature withdrawal as Luyang assemblyman Dr Hiew King Cheu was just waiting for the decision and response from his party (DAP) over the matter, and yes they did propose (Tamparuli Assemblyman) Datuk Wilfred Bumburing’s name for the post, but it is his party’s stand that whoever is the majority (within the opposition camp) in the State Assembly has the right to appoint a name.
“And in this instance, PKR has a bigger voice and they have proposed my name and it was accepted by all. The appointment was also recognised by State Speaker Datuk Seri Panglima Salleh Tun Said, and we are grateful that he had acted and decided on the matter so quickly,” he told reporters on the second day of the 14th State Assembly sitting, here.
Lajim said Bumburing and the DAP leaders had stood by him when he voiced the right to speak after Sabah Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Datuk Rahim Ismail, who is also Pantai Manis Assemblyman, read his debate speech on Tuesday.
“This shows that they too support my appointment as the opposition chief. Yesterday (Tuesday) the Deputy State Speaker (Datuk Johnny Mositun) stated that although there was no decision from the Pakatan Rakyat and the opposition parties to propose a name as the chief in the assembly sitting … so today, we received news that the State Speaker disclosed that he had received the proposal from us to appoint an opposition whip,” he said.
Following the recognition, Lajim hoped that the opposition leader would also be given a room that is equipped with facilities such as tables and at least two computers that would act as an office for the opposition leader, which is being practised in the Parliament.
“We would also appreciate if we are assigned two officers throughout the sitting to allow us to also carry out our duties as assemblymen. We would also request for a secretariat so that with a proper office, we will be able to do pre-council meeting and discussions in issues that need to be highlighted, or gather facts and figures, or things that need to be done before entering the august House,” he said.