Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud said that he has already identified a successor but remained tightlipped on the identity of this person.

He said the individual is among the three short-listed candidates, who are Sarawak's housing minister Abang Johari Tun Openg, natural resources and environment minister Adenan Satem and former agriculture minister Effendi Norwawi.

Speaking on the RTM programme ' 60 minit bersama menteri ' (60 minutes with the minister) last night, the chief minister however refused to divulge the identity of his successor.

"I cannot disclose who it is," he said when asked on the matter.

Abdul Taib, who is the president of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) and chief minister since 1981, also did not say when he would step down

Smooth transition

As for his successor, he said the person's identity would be revealed several months before he decides to retire. He is also confident that the transition of power will be smooth.

The Sarawak state election is due in September 2006

Abdul Taib said for now, he would continue to monitor the three short-listed candidates.

However, he added that during his previous monitoring, there was a particular leader who managed to execute his duties effectively and win the support of the people.

This person has the criteria required to lead a state which has 27 different ethic groups, he stressed.