Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud today said that he will make a full announcement in two days' time over the speculations surrounding his retirement.

Speaking briefly to reporters after attending the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak Supreme Council meeting today, he said that there would be no snap election after his announcement to retire.

"No. We don't have surprises (that a snap election is going to be held). The party had given me certain indication that everything (after his retirement) will be very smooth. (Other details) I will announce it later at a proper time," he said.

This remarks came almost four days after a national daily, Berita Harian , frontpaged a story that he would to be stepping down as the chief minister by the end of this month.

Following the news report, Taib had shunned from three official state events that led the speculations to become intense.

Four names have been mentioned to be Taib's possible successor for the chief minister's post that he had held since 1981.

They are PBB deputy president Amar Abang Johari Openg, senior vice-president Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, former natural resources and environment minister Adenan Satem and former minister in the prime minister's department Mohd Effendi Norwawi.

However, Effendi in a news report today had denied that he would be the successor and would not challenge any decision made by Taib on whom the latter would choose to succeed him.

The other three individuals had to date refused to comment anything on the succession speculation.

Bernama also learnt today that another meeting between Taib and all the elected-representatives would be held tomorrow.

Najib hails Taib

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Najib Razak has expressed his appreciation for Abdul Taib in helming the state.

He said the PBB president had developed Sarawak to a level to be proud of.

“I respect the decision which was made by Pehin Sri Taib and he had earlier informed me of the matter,” he told reporters after launching a ground breaking ceremony of the Umno Bukit Gantang Building in Perak today.

He hoped the leader set to take over from Abdul Taib could ensure that the influence of the party continued to be firm in the future.

“He (Taib) has placed Barisan Nasional and PBB as premier parties in Sarawak,” he added.

- Bernama