A Sabah government official said the state had requested for Rundi to remain in the post until the end of the year to see through efforts in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic here but it came to nought.

“We were informed by the health ministry that Rundi was part of an ongoing transfer and promotion exercise within the ministry.

“She was first to be transferred to become director of the Family Development Division and later to be promoted to a higher post,” the official said.

He said the state was of the view that Rundi should continue to lead the department here for now as she had been involved in the planning and execution of measures in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, including the current vaccination drive.

It is understood that Rundi had appealed against the transfer until the year end on this same basis as well as to look after her elderly mother.

Sabah’s medical fraternity was taken by surprise over the move to transfer out Rundi, an epidemiologist, who had headed the Sabah health department since November 2012.

Doctors in government service and private practice said it made no sense to transfer out Rundi when the state was in the midst of tackling the pandemic and the move would make more sense after the situation had stabilised, widely expected by the end of this year.

Rundi was replaced by fellow Sabahan Dr Rose Nani Mudin, a public health specialist with expertise in epidemiology and diseases spread by vectors.