Tangau said the institute is run by members of the board of directors, who will ultimately determine how the institute is governed.

“What’s happening at the institute is not extraordinary. Since it is run by the board, I believe this will be resolved within that scope,” he said today.

Earlier this week, it was reported that the board had decided on May 29 against confirming Johan Ariffin Samad as the institute’s chief executive, following the expiry of his six-month probation.

Johan went to meet Chief Minister Shafie Apdal about the matter on Monday and claimed he had been advised by Shafie to continue in his post.

IDS chairman Simon Sipaun explained that the decision made was not solely his but that of the board, following a vote.

Yesterday, Shafie said he will listen to both sides of the issue before making his decision.

He said he would sit down with Sipaun soon to discuss the matter.

Tangau said it was a good thing that the matter could be referred to the chief minister as there was nothing wrong in seeking advice from Sabah’s top leaders.

“Agencies like IDS have their own rules. We appreciate it. That is the principle we hold to in this new government,” said Tangau.

IDS is an autonomous research body assisting the Sabah government to tap ideas and opinions. It also analyses public policy proposals before they are implemented.