Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud has submitted to the prime minister the name of Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib's successor as deputy tourism minister, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) vice-president Daud Abdul Rahman said today.

"The chief minister sent the name to the prime minister before he went on leave. The post is actually for PBB and I hope there is no more speculation after this," Daud, who is also Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's office, said after the presentation of Sarawak Tabung Baitulmal aid.

He said the quota for the deputy minister's post was for PBB MPs from Sarawak and it was up to Najib Abdul Razak to decide who should replace Sulaiman.

Sulaiman, 41, who is also PBB Youth vice-chief, was appointed deputy tourism minister on March 19, 2008, when Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was the prime minister and retained the post when Najib took over as prime minister in April last year.

However, he resigned recently for health reasons.

Najib said last week that a Sarawak-born would replace Sulaiman.

- Bernama