PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi met with three eaders from Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties in Sabah and Sarawak Friday (14 Mar), in order to discuss the distribution of ministerial seats.

United Sarawak Native Inheritance Party (PBB) president and Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Sarawak Progressive Democratic Party (SPDP) president William Mawan Ikom and United Sabah People's Party (PBRS) president Joseph Kurup went to Prime Minister Department and met with the Prime Minister.

It is believed that Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and leaders from other component parties were also present. The meeting lasted half an hour.

Joseph Kurup told reporters that the party has submitted 17 candidates for ministerial seats and William Mawan Ikom has suggested four candidates.

However, both of them declined to reveal the candidates’ names. (Sin Chew Daily)