Ex-deputy minister quits BN, supports Pakatan

Former deputy labour minister Kalakau Untol said today he has quit Barisan Nasional (BN) and his posts in government-related agencies.

He said he was stepping down from his posts as chairman of Superpanel (Sabah) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary company of the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority, and as a member of the Sabah Economic Development Corporation board of directors.

Kalakau (left), 55, served as deputy labour minister from 1986 to 1990 and was United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) youth chief for 12 years from 1985.

He told a news conference that he would be focusing on supporting the policies of the opposition pact.

Kalakau claimed that although former and current Sabah leaders had done their best to defend the state's rights, the country's leadership and a number of federal leaders appeared to be uncommitted and did not take the suggestions made by the Sabah government seriously.

To a question, Kalakau said he had not joined any of Pakatan parties, saying "I will look into that, I will tell you when I cross the bridge."

When asked why he chose Pakatan and not local opposition party, the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), he said the views of SAPP president Yong Teck Lee was similar to those of Pakatan leaders.

Kalakau, who is also United Sabah Dusun Association president, had also served as a senator until December 2005.

- Bernama