Sebatik rep officially joins Bersatu

KOTA KINABALU – Newly independent Sebatik assemblyman Hassan A. Gani Pg Amir has just submitted his application to join Bersatu today.

Hassan – a former Warisan rep, who left the party more than a month ago – handed in his paperwork to Bersatu secretary-general Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin at the party’s anniversary dinner at Sabah International Convention Centre here today.

Hassan, in a statement on February 25, had cited unhappiness over Warisan’s association with Pakatan Harapan, among others, as his reason for leaving.

He said he is disappointed with the actions of PH and Warisan leaders, who put political interest above the well-being of the people.

Warisan is not a component of PH, but an ally.

“These leaders rejected Budget 2021 in Parliament; an action that does not put the rakyat’s need first, especially at a time of pandemic, which, evidently, needs a huge budget,” said Hassan.

“Leaders of PH parties are also trying to destabilise the government by attempting to oust the prime minister.”

He then voiced support for state ruling coalition Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, as well as the leadership of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor – both of them Bersatu men.

His exit resulted in a backlash, with Warisan urging Hassan to quit his elected position, submitting his “pre-signed” resignation letter to the state assembly, and lodging a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Hassan had pre-emptively signed the letter prior to the Sabah polls in September last year. Warisan also produced a video, recorded before the election, of the rep pledging to step down from his elected position should he quit the party.

The Sebatik assemblyman took to Facebook to say he was forced to sign the document, adding that a refusal would have meant he will not be named a Warisan candidate in the September 26 polls.

Sabah speaker Datuk Kadzim M. Yahya, however, said the pre-signed letter is ineffective.

He said according to the law, pre-signed documents without stamped dates are considered void.

Warisan can take its argument elsewhere, like to the civil court, he added.

Kadzim said the seat can be vacated only if Hassan himself submits a quit letter as per the state constitution.

He added that Hassan remains as Sebatik assemblyman and an independent rep supportive of the GRS state government. – The Vibes, April 5, 2021