KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — PKR’s Dr Roland Chia confirmed today that he will not quit his Sabah state seat of Inanam, just a week after tweeting of plans to do so.

Although Dr Chia made mention of his “medical condition” that prompted his earlier announcement, he said he has decided to stay on after considering feedback and suggestions from everyone during his “time of solitude”.

“Hence, I have decided to continue my duties as the PKR/Pakatan Rakyat State Assemblyman of N13 Inanam, Sabah. I will try my utmost best to meet the expectations of my people in Inanam whilst beseeching their forbearance,” the dental surgeon said in a statement today.

He explained that he initially announced his intention to step down as Inanam lawmaker due to worries that his health would hinder him from serving his constituents.

"As my illness will continue as a thorn in my flesh, I weighed out my options with a heavy heart. It would be very unfair to my people in Inanam if I am unable to give them my best efforts," he said of his surprise tweet last Wednesday.

Dr Chia, who is said to have lost much weight since taking up this post, did not elaborate on the medical condition or illness that he was currently suffering.

Last Wednesday, Dr Chia surprised his party leadership and constituents with his announcement, prompting rumours about his health, of strife within the state’s opposition, and whether his Twitter account was hacked.

At the time of his surprise tweet, both Sabah Speaker Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak and Sabah PKR chief Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin confirmed that they did not receive a resignation letter from the assemblyman.

Dr Chia, who holds various positions within PKR, was then unreachable as he was abroad, but he broke his silence almost two days later, again on Twitter, to say that he would be issuing a formal statement after Christmas.

Today, Dr Chia explained that he had in the past week consulted with his family, friends and supporters, as well as keeping close communication with PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, party president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, deputy president Azmin Ali and grassroots members to discuss his health.

"The response from all quarters has been very understanding and positive. They have exhorted me to hang on and to soldier on to continue as the Elected Representative (State Assemblyman/ADUN) of N13 Inanam," he said in the statement before confirming his decision not to quit.

Dr Chia also expressed his gratitude for the "love, concern, advice and support" that had poured in everywhere over his health and the prayers for his welfare.

Dr Chia is a PKR supreme council member and also holds the positions of state party vice-chairman and Sepanggar branch chief.

He won his Inanam seat in the last state polls with a majority of 3,202 votes against Datuk Eric Majimbun of SAPP, and BN-PBS Joseph Lantip.