Adenan Satem has waved off speculation that the early announcement of being annointed the new Sarawak Chief Minister was an attempt to prevent Putrajaya from intervening in the succession plan.

"No such thing... The deputy prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) coming to Sarawak is not to influence Abdul Taib Mahmud to change his mind or the decision that has already been arrived at.

"These are only claims in the social media but our rakyat (Sarawakians) know what has really happened," he was quoted as saying at a press conference in accepting his new post , according to a report in the Berita Harian today.

Outgoing Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud had on Monday announced that he will meet the governor on Feb 15 and reveal his successor then.

However, on Feb 12, the media was abruptly informed that Abdul Taib will meet the governor on that very day, just a day ahead of Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin's scheduled visit to the state.

After the meeting, Abdul Taib, 77, (left) revealed that he will resign on Feb 28 and 68-year-old Adenan who is PBB information chief will be his successor.

Prior to the announcement, the other two potential candidates for chief minister were PBB deputy president Abang Johari Openg and PBB senior vice president Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.

Adenan beat the other two for chief executive's post despite early speculation putting him at the bottom of the list because of health problems.

'Adenan: I'm in good health'

However, at the press conference yesterday, he was quoted as saying that he was now in good health.

"Yes... last year I was in IJN (National Heart Institute), Pusat Perubatan Normah (Kuching) and Hospital Mount Elizabeth (Singapore) for treatment. When I was ill, I felt useless to the rakyat.

"But with Allah's grace and doctors' efforts as well as my wife's, I've recovered," he said.

He pointed out that he was able to perform the umrah recently even though it required some physical rigour.

Adenan denied that he was selected as successor simply because of his loyalty, adding that he had known Abdul Taib since in school and formerly his brother-in-law.

He declined to state for many terms he would serve in the post  but was prepared to leave when no longer needed.

He added that he will not reshuffle the existing state cabinet formed under Abdul Taib.

Abdul Taib has served as chief minister for almost 33 years and is set to take over as governor when he steps down.