Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that the decision of Umno' Beaufort MP Lajim Ukin to quit all positions in the party did not come as a surprise.

NONE "What Lajim did was expected. All this while we saw him making statements that were contrary to the party's stance.

"The decision was no surprise. He has made his decision and we accept it and even in the past leaders have left Umno, we take it as a challenge to succeed," he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian today.

Yesterday, Lajim who is also Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister announced his resignation as Umno supreme council member, Beaufort Umno division chief and Beaufort BN chief.

However, he remained in his position as a deputy minister and an ordinary party member, stating that he would only depart once he is sacked.

Najib in the report said he will decide on Lajim's fate tomorrow.

Lajim had said that he had no plans to join a new party but would work together with the opposition for Sabah’s interest.