KOTA KINABALU: Former Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan is ending his political career, and said he will not be contesting in the next election.
Giving a “99 percent” assurance, Pairin said this was already an indication that he would be leaving politics.
“I want to give the opportunity to the younger people to participate in the election and contribute to the state development, protect the interests of the state as well as the country as a whole.
“Sooner or later, people will have to resign and I am giving prior notice in order to work out on what I am going to do after this,” he said after attending a briefing on the third edition of the Tambunan Kaamatan Charity Run here.
Pairin, who is Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and state Development and Infrastructure Minister, was responding to a question on whether he would contest in the coming election.
"I don't know what is my next plan is, whether I'm going back to university, plant paddy or rear buffaloes... but I'm definitely going to spend time with my grandchildren," he said.
To a question on who would be replacing him for the Keningau parliamentary and Tambunan state seats, he said the press would know the answers once everything is in place.
On the possibility that the state election will be held earlier, Pairin said it was possible as it has happened before.
“It is all subject to speculation, which makes it interesting but then everyone has been told to prepare... anything is possible."