KOTA BELUD: Former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak has returned to head the Kota Belud Umno division, beating incumbent Datuk Musbah Jamli, the state assemblyman for Tempasuk, in the contest for the post.

Salleh, who is president of the United Sabah Bajau Organisation, polled 341 votes to win by a majority of 47 votes, according to results announced on Sunday.

Awadnir Matanggal was returned unopposed as deputy head of the division.

State Infrastructure Development Assistant Minister Datuk Japlin Akim secured a majority of 93 votes to become the vice-head, beating Johan Abdul Hamid, Abdullah Sibil and Tujuh Nalin in the contest.

The division nominated deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Razak for the post of president and vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam for deputy president. -- Bernama