KOTA KINABALU – Sabah Barisan Nasional (BN) has downplayed talks of a state government “takeover” with rumoured partner Warisan as leader Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the meeting was to discuss their future.
Bung, who is also state deputy chief minister, said the meeting had nothing to do with the alleged political cooperation with Warisan to oust ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) from power.
“Nothing. It’s only a meeting. We were discussing the future of the party,” he said as he was leaving the Sabah Umno headquarters near Karamunsing here tonight.
Speculation is rife that BN and Warisan will form the state government, leaving GRS out in the cold.
Meanwhile, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has called off tonight’s joint press conference.
Earlier, The Vibes reported that the press conference would be called off as they await for the nod from Bung Moktar over their 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.
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
