Special Functions Minister Effendi Norwawi has brushed aside allegations that he is giving up his parliamentary seat because of a rift between the Sarawak state leadership and Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

"I am not running because of health reasons," said the Kuala Rajang MP when met yesterday, although appearing to be in good spirits.

"It is not true that there is a disagreement between myself and the prime minister. In fact, we (get along) very well. He has given me a lot of advice," added Effendi, who is also the Parti Pesaka Bumiputra Bersatu (PBB) vice-president.

His decision has been linked to the January cabinet reshuffle which saw him moved from his post as agriculture minister to the post of minister of special functions in the Prime Minister's department.

Possible replacements

Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud is said to have been offended by the move which he saw as a 'demotion' for Effendi as well as for PBB's representation in the federal cabinet.

Effendi is among three Sarawakian politicians touted as possible replacements for Abdul Taib when the latter steps down as chief minister.

In a related matter, Effendi also feigned surprise when asked to comment on rumours that Abdul Taib has resigned in protest over the 'demotion'.

"Is he going to? I have not heard anything about it," he said.

Rumours

of Taib's resignation started circulating in Kuching almost immediately after Effendi's announcement over the weekend that he would not be standing for re-election.

The rumour has persisted despite a denial on Tuesday by Abdullah.

Meanwhile, Effendi's decision not to contest has also been linked to his apparent unpopularity with three PBB state assemblypersons within his constituency - Wahab Dolah (Matu-Daro), Asfia Awang Nassar (Serdeng) and Hamden Ahmad (Belawai).

The trio are said to be "unhappy" over Effendi's frequent absence from his constituency.

The politician, who heads private television station ntv7 , has been accused of spending too much time in the Peninsula.