Fight for CM's post could spell premature end to GRS alliance

KOTA KINABALU - A fight over the spoils of war may see a swift end to the shaky Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) alliance.

The Vibes understands that negotiations over the choice of chief minister is ongoing where an impasse could pave the way for Warisan to retake the state government. 

Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin and PPMB chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor are facing off against each other for the position of chief minister. 

The candidate for the chief minister's position should have been named last night (Saturday night)  along with four other members of the Sabah cabinet as per the state constitution. 

With both Umno and PPBM wanting their respective leaders for the top job, it could see Umno leaving the alliance to give Warisan a chance to return to power.

PPBM has 11 seats, Sabah Star (6), Umno (14) and PBS (6).

PBS' Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili could play the role of the king maker.

The likelihood of Umno joining Warisan is not anymore a remote possibility, following Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement on Wednesday that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalition led by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has collapsed.

It is believed that at least 15 MPs from Umno may back Anwar to claim Putrajaya.

Bung who had prematurely announced that he had a simple majority earlier may lead his elected reps out of the GRS if the ongoing chief minister solution is not found soonest possible.

Hajiji was anounced as the chief minister candidate for GRS on nomination day. This was accepted in principle by other members of the alliance.

Meanwhile he said the announcement will be made at the istana this morning, where the new chief minister and also his cabinet would be sworn in.

"We are not able to announce it tonight (Saturday night) because we are waiting for all the elected reps to arrive at the state capital this morning," said Hajiji at the PN camp here.

Pressed further over the decision to withold the identity of the new chief minister, Hajiji responded, "until then, let this be a puzzle to everyone". 

Also present was PN secretary-general Hamzah Zainuddin.

The BN-PN-PBS alliance won the Sabah election with a simple 38 seat majority against Warisan Plus' 33 seats.

It was agreed in principle by all the alliance that Hajiji would be the next Sabah chief minister.

Meanwhile, preparations are already being made at the Governor's official residence Sri Gaya to swear in the new chief minister.  – The Vibes, September 27, 2020.