The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has denied speculation it would leave BN, following its deputy president's statement on the leadership of Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman last month.

Its president, Liew Vui Keong, who is also deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said the party would still remain a component of BN and expressed confidence in Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's leadership.

Speaking to reporters after presenting Hari Raya cookies to the Sabah police contingent here today, he said he had a meeting with the prime minister yesterday to discuss issues concerning the Sabah people.

On Aug 24, LDP deputy president Chin Su Phin issued a statement, saying the party could no longer work with Musa, but would continue to support and cooperate with Umno and expressed full support to Najib and his 1Malaysia concept.

Asked by reporters if it was appropriate for LDP's former vice-president Peter Pang En Yin, who announced his resignation from the party on Wednesday, to remain in the state cabinet, Liew said he would leave the matter to the discretion of the prime minister.

Pang, 51, quit the party in disagreement over the party's stand that it could not work with Musa.

He also tendered in his resignation from the state cabinet, in which he held the deputy chief minister's post and state youth and sports portfolio, but was retained by Musa for the time being.

- Bernama