KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's visit to Sabah from tonight until tomorrow is not related to speculations of political unrest in the state.
His political secretary, Datuk Jamal Nerubi said that Zahid's presence in Sabah, who is also Umno president, is to fulfil an invitation from Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said it is an official visit by the Deputy Prime Minister to Kota Belud tomorrow to inaugurate the Kadamaian Development Launch in conjunction with Ewon's Christmas Open House.
"This visit has no connection with political unrest as reported by several online portals today.
"We strongly deny those claims; this visit is an official work visit, and the allegations are an attempt to tarnish the name of the Deputy Prime Minister, as well as an effort to divide unity within Sabah Umno," he said in a statement here tonight.
Jamal, who is also the Papar Umno chief, said that during this visit to Sabah, Zahid also took the opportunity to meet with the Umno division chiefs in Sabah.
Meanwhile, Jamal said that Zahid and Sabah Umno remain committed to maintaining political stability with the unity government for the development of the country together.
Zahid arrived here at around 8pm earlier before holding a meeting with Sabah Umno leaders at a hotel, starting at 8.30pm.
