Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Lajim Ukin met with PAS spiritual leader Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat today, two days after Sabah PAS leaders invited the Beaufort MP to join the party.

According to party organ Harakah Daily , Lajim met Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also Kelantan menteri besar, at his official residence in Kota Baru.

NONE Lajim's delegation of 25 people met with Nik Abdul Aziz for some 40 minutes, the report says.

However, the report quotes Nik Abdul Aziz as saying that the discussion with Lajim was on the possible cooperation of the state with the federal government on solid waste management.

It is unclear whether the meeting discussed Lajim's political future. At press time, Lajim and Nik Abdul Aziz's political secretary Nik Wan Nik Yusof could not be reached for comment.

Sabah PAS Youth chief Lahirul Latigu said last Saturday that his party would welcome Lajim's entry.

“PAS has gone through numerous experiences with professionals such as doctors, lawyers and ordinary people joining PAS. We would never block the entry of (anyone),” Lahirul was quoted as saying.

Lajim resigned as Kerambai Kebatu Umno branch chief on June 16 and made public that he would not defend his position as Beaufort Umno division chief.

However, he remains as an Umno supreme council member.

It was widely speculated on June 10 that Lajim was to appear alongside Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim in Sabah to announce his defection to PKR.

Lajim has denied this. The appearance did not materialise as Anwar's flight there was delayed by bad weather.

Another MP quits BN post

Meanwhile, national news agency Bernama reported that Tuaran MP Wilfred Bumburing, who was also speculated to be on the verge of defecting to the opposition with Lajim, announced his resignation today as Tuaran BN chairperson.

wilfred bumburing lazim ukin 100612 "I have hereby, effective today, July 23, 2012, resigned from the post as BN chairperson for P170, Tuaran. My resignation will enable the new BN leadership of Tuaran to make preparations for the coming 13th general election," Bernama quotes Wilfred as saying.

However, he remains Upko deputy president.

The report adds that Bumburing did not state the reason for his resignation but said he would be making an "important announcement" on his political future on Sunday.

Bumburing resigns as Tuaran BN chairperson