KOTA KINABALU – A planned press conference by Warisan and Barisan Nasional (BN) this evening has yet to take place despite calling the press for it at 4.30pm today.
The Vibes had reliably learnt that Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is expected to announce the party’s tie-up with BN to usurp Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS).
Reporters have been waiting at Pan Pacific Hotel since 4.30pm, but as of press time, Shafie has yet to make any announcement.
A source told The Vibes that Warisan cannot make the announcement until BN is officially clear on their proposed cooperation.
“It would be a risky move if Warisan decides to announce it first before Umno.
“What if BN decides to back out from the cooperation later?” said the source close to Warisan.
The source also hinted that the press conference would be called off soon due to the extended delay.
The Vibes also understood Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin had called to meet all 14 of the bloc’s assemblymen at the Umno headquarters near Karamunsing over the matter.
Journalists have also gathered at the Sabah Umno building here for further updates.
So far, Bung Moktar has neither spoken to the press nor issued a statement over the political crisis brewing in the state.
Additionally, talk is rife that GRS may be negotiating with BN at the 11th hour to prevent the possible move.
Yesterday, GRS secretary-general Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor still commands the majority of the state assembly, in an effort to quash rumours of a possible crisis.
At present, BN has 14 assemblymen, while Warisan has 19 assemblymen, and GRS has 29 assemblymen.
Sabah is heading for a political crisis as both groups do command majority support.
Either coalition would require the support of seven assemblymen from Pakatan Harapan to either form or maintain the current state administration at present. – The Vibes, January 5, 2023
