USNO president suspends five members and strips six from executive posts amid internal rift

SIX members, including the Deputy President of the United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), Datuk Ibrahim Linggam, have been suspended from party membership with immediate effect over alleged breaches of party discipline and the party constitution.

USNO President Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said the action was taken under his absolute authority as party president, invoking Clause 49.10 of the party constitution.

The party president invoked Clause 49.10 of the party constitution to suspend five members pending investigations by the Central Disciplinary Board over alleged breaches of party discipline and constitutional rules.

The suspended members were identified as Ahmad Kanajaan, Hussin Ibnu Hassan, Mohammad Hafeiz Hussin, Sazali Justi, and Sallehudin Kasau.

The former Dewan Rakyat Speaker said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure while disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.

“Clause 49.10 gives the president the authority to suspend any member who is seen as undermining party stability, particularly in situations of internal conflict that could lead to division.

“This step is important to prevent the party from descending into chaos, as well as to ensure that the investigation process can be conducted in an orderly manner,” he said in a statement.

He added that the suspension is temporary to prevent further escalation of tensions, with the disciplinary committee expected to carry out investigations and summon the individuals concerned to provide their explanations.

The party president also invoked Clause 52.1 of the constitution to revoke the appointments of several individuals who had been serving as Supreme Executive Council members for the 2025–2028 term.

Those removed from their posts were Datu Abdul Lalih Abah, Dr Masjidin Datu Moksan, Dayang Norasiken Nonoi, Jamri Sabu, Rusulan Rahaban, and Datuk Edmund J Doudilim.

The provision empowers the party president to appoint and terminate positions within the party leadership structure.

“The decision to revoke the appointments was made following actions by the individuals concerned which were said to be out of alignment and had affected party stability during a period of heightened internal crisis.

“All office holders have a responsibility to safeguard party unity and must not act in a way that leads to division.

“This action was taken to ensure the party remains stable and is not weakened by conduct that could undermine the organisation,” he said.

He added that the Supreme Executive Council structure would be reorganised to ensure the party leadership continues to function effectively.

He further stressed that any further action against the individuals involved would depend on the findings of the Central Disciplinary Board’s full report.

The president also rejected claims that the measures were taken hastily, insisting they were grounded in clear constitutional provisions.

He said members should have used internal party channels to express concerns rather than issuing public statements that could damage the party’s image.

“Three opportunities were given through meetings, but some chose not to attend and later made statements outside.

“Firm action is necessary to ensure the party does not continue to face instability that could affect its position in the state’s political landscape,” he said. - May 6, 2026