Support For Sabah Govt Not Affected By Chong's Resignation

KOTA KINABALU, April 13 (Bernama) -- Leaders of the Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties have expressed their continued support for the state government and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and respected Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat's decision to resign from the state cabinet.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said his party would continue to support the state government, even though Chong had announced his resignation from the State Cabinet today.
He said when Chong stepped down as Liberal Democratic Party president last year, there was also a question whether he would relinquish his post in the State Cabinet too or as State Assemblyman for Tanjung Kapor, Kudat.
"Today, that question has been answered and Tan Sri (Chong) has already expressed his intention to retire," said Pairin, who is also Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development Minister.
Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee hoped the state leadership would act to ensure that the support for BN from the people of Sabah generally and the Chinese community especially, would not be adversely affected by Chong's resignation.
Describing Chong's resignation as a shock, Yong told reporters at SAPP headquarters here he hoped the state leadership would act to ensure that there was continuity in the work of the ministry concerned so that the implementation of its programmes and projects would not be hindered in any way.
United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said Sabah had benefited from Chong's experience throughout his more than 30 years political career.
"Tan Sri Chong has brought to the (state) cabinet a wealth of experience as a minister and a political leader and Sabah would have benefited from his experience for the remaining term (Chong's term as minister would have expired in 2009) but we respect his decision and wish him good luck," he said.
Liberal Democratic Party president Datuk VK Liew said he was not aware that his predecessor would announce his resignation today.
"I am not privy to his decision, but he has explained his reasons to resign to the leaders of the party," said Liew.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said he was saddened by Chong's decision to resign from the State Cabinet, but it was expected and he respected the decision.
Nevertheless, he said Chong's decision would not affect PBRS' support for the state BN government regardless of who sits as Chief Minister, including the current CM.
"We (PBRS) are loyal towards the BN government and even though he (Chong) has announced his resignation, we will still support whoever leads the government, especially the current chief minister," he said when contacted by Bernama.
Sabah MCA chairman cum Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Khoo said MCA was shocked by Chong's decision, but said: "we respect his decision and as part of the BN component parties, MCA will continue to support the state government, especially the state BN chairman and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman."
He said he hoped the state BN component parties would continue to work together to maintain political stability in the state.
Meanwhile, Sabah BN Secretary Datuk Karim Bujang, who is also Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, declined to comment.
Musa was not available for comment, but he is expected to hold a press conference tomorrow at 9am here.
Meanwhile, it was an emotional atmosphere at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens here where the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry office is located as a handful of tearful staff were seen waving to Chong as his car pulled away from the driveway at about 5pm.

tunku : as usual everyone will throw in their support to safeguard their seats,i guess so. but it's funny, chong kah kiat resigned from the post and said nothing bad about the current leadership but why all these party leaders suddenly giving statement like these.sure there's something cooking there, i can smell it.