KOTA KINABALU, Sept 28 — Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) views the decision to nominate Sabah Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Datuk Hajiji Noor as Sabah 16th Chief Minister as most appropriate.

Its president, Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said the decision was consistent with PBS’ proposal and stand during the course of the 16th State Election, while other parties made their decision based on the outcome of the just-concluded election.

Ongkili said PBS was also confident that with the support of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) members, Hajiji would be able to execute his duties well based on his vast experience as a former senior member of the state Cabinet and seven-term assemblyman.

"PBS also believes that Hajiji will be able to honour the mandate given by the rakyat and lead Sabah and the state administration as the Chief Minister for all Sabahans,” Ongkili said in a statement, here, today.

Earlier, the parties in GRS, comprising PN, Barisan Nasional (BN) and PBS unanimously agreed to name Hajiji, who is also Sabah Bersatu chief, as the candidate for the post of Sabah Chief Minister.

Hajiji, who is Sulaman assemblyman, confirmed the matter and that he would take the oath as Chief Minister at Istana Negeri, tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Ongkili who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs), said PBS was looking forward to working closely with Hajiji and offered the new chief minister, full support and cooperation to form the new Sabah government.

"We are confident that through the formation of the new Sabah government under GRS, Sabah will be able to create new achievements and records that we can be proud of,” he added. — Bernama