Former minister Zainuddin Maidin has taken a swipe at Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak in defending Shafie Apdal's purported ambition to be chief minister of Sabah.

“What is wrong with Shafie wanting to be chief minister when a person who is no longer popular continues to be prime minister?” Zainuddin asked.

According to him, Shafie, who is the MP for Semporna, is qualified and capable for the task of administering the state.

Zainuddin, who is better known as Zam, said Shafie, who quit as Umno vice-president and was dropped from his position as rural and regional development minister, is a popular elected representative, with close ties with the grassroots nationwide.