Zahid arrives in Kota Kinabalu to launch Commonwealth conference

KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today arrived here for the opening of the 23rd Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth at the State Legislative Assembly building.

Accompanied by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, President of Dewan Negara Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, Sabah Speaker Datuk Seri Syed Abas Syed Ali and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Zahid was ushered in a traditional "Usunan" parade into the venue.

The deputy prime minister will deliver a keynote address after launching the conference which will be held until Wednesday.

Earlier all the visiting delegates were ushered in the makeshift sedans during the parade.

Also present were Deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee and Datuk Ismail Mohamed Said, Dewan Negara Secretary Riduan Rahmat, Parliament Chief Administrator Datuk Awang Alik Jeman and Parliament Secretary Datuk Roosme Hamzah.