[UPDATED] Anti-hopping law to decide fate of Sabah Bersatu MPs who quit party: Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR – The anti-hopping law will determine the fate of the Sabah MPs who quit Bersatu, said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

In a statement today, Muhyiddin expressed his disappointment with the lawmakers and the Sabah Bersatu leaders who did not show any loyalty despite having won the previous state election under the PN banner.

Muhyiddin, who is also Bersatu president, explained that the state chapter was formed under the purview of the party’s supreme council and only the party’s highest governing body has the power to decide on its status.

“I am disappointed in the Sabah Bersatu leadership that did not show any loyalty to the party that has elevated them to a high position following the conclusion of the Sabah election. Moreover, they have won on the PN logo.

“I believe Bersatu members in Sabah will stay loyal to the party’s struggle and will remain with Bersatu, which is a component party of Perikatan Nasional at the federal level.

“On the status of four Bersatu parliamentarians who contested under GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) in GE15, their status will be determined based on the anti-hopping law as prescribed under the Article 49A of the federal constitution,” he said in a statement today.

This comes after Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, agreed with other state Bersatu leaders today to leave the party but remain under GRS.

GRS, which previously comprised Bersatu, Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah STAR, Sabah Progressive Party and United Sabah National Organisation (USNO), joined hands with Barisan Nasional (BN) to govern Sabah.

However, Bersatu vice-president Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee said he will not abandon the party and has stressed that they will rebuild Sabah Bersatu.

The Beluran MP said he would not follow in Hajiji’s footsteps, stating that the group’s actions would not affect Sabah Bersatu, especially at the grassroots level.

With Hajiji’s departure, Muhyiddin announced that Kiandee will be Sabah Bersatu’s new chief and will continue to rebuild the party.

“He is responsible for the supervision and management of Sabah Bersatu and Sabah PN until the restructuring of both entities as decided by Bersatu and the PN supreme council,” he said.  – The Vibes, December 11, 2022