KOTA KINABALU – Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Yusof Yacob has not been issued with any letter to face the Umno disciplinary board, claiming that his membership was opposed by some of the party members.
He said he thought he was accepted as a member after applying to join Umno via the state liaison office and party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.
“I was not called (to face the disciplinary board). I did not receive any letter, although I thought I was already accepted (as an Umno member).
“I have submitted my membership form to the state liaison office and headquarters, but apparently they have a different agenda, and this involves not accepting my membership.
“I think some of the Umno leaders in Sabah are afraid if I join Umno, thinking I would become a rival to them, especially to Umno leaders in Sipitang,” said Yusof, who hails from Sipitang.
Yusof was met here after Petagas assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Awang Sahari announced his departure from Warisan.
Yusof said he could join any party without issues and has expressed his intentions to join Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) led by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
Yusof confirmed that Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tg Keramat assemblyman), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk James Ratib (Sugut), and Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tampasuk) had received their letters from the Umno disciplinary board.
The four men have been referred to the disciplinary board over their refusal to heed Sabah Umno’s decision to withdraw from their cooperation with political partner Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) on January 6.
Jasnih and Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang (Balung) subsequently announced their intentions to join Gagasan Rakyat. – The Vibes, February 27, 2023
