Former Sabah Umno Rep Joins Warisan

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Chief Minister Shafie Apdal (second from left) receiving Musbah’s application form to join Warisan.KOTA KINABALU: One of the nine Sabah Umno assemblyman who left the party late last year today applied to join Warisan, further strengthening the position of the coalition government
Tempasuk assemblyman Musbah Jamli said he decided to join Warisan as it is a local party and thus serves as the best platform to fight for Sabah’s rights
The former Kota Belud Umno deputy chief said he decided to break ranks with the other former Sabah Umno representatives who reportedly are keen to join PPBM
“PPBM is a national party. It is no different from Umno. Looking at the current political landscape, I believe a local platform is a better avenue.”Late last year, the nine assemblymen and five MPs left Umno en masse to become independents citing a loss of confidence in the central leadership
Musbah added that joining the government’s side will also ensure development projects in his constituency can continue like before
He admitted he was concerned that his position as an opposition member could affect the outcome of projects and the constituents would be the ones to suffer
“I join the party voluntarily with an open heart and I hope we can unite Sabahans for the sake of the state.”Musbah handed over his membership application officially to Chief Minister Shafie Apdal, who is also Warisan president, at his office here today
Shafie later said he is hoping more former Sabah Umno leaders will follow suit and join Warisan soon
“I have met some of them but they asked to be given time. We cannot force them. But I hope they will join us,” he said
While Musbah has taken the first step to finally make his political decision, the rest of the other former Sabah Umno leaders are still mulling whether to remain as independents, join PPBM or Warisan
One of the Sabah Umno leaders, who wished to remain anonymous, told FMT that while he is happy for Musbah, the group will stay united and will decide on their political direction soon
“Actually, we have all agreed that we will all join one party or all remain independents
“The point is that we will remain as a group. You will know where we are going soon.” - FMT

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