KOTA KINABALU: The failed coup to topple Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, which has been described as "pai ulung" by locals here, is set to trigger changes in the state political leadership.
Political observers here said some big names associated with the plot would have to bear the consequences and instead of Hajiji, it could well be those behind the botched coup whose heads may end up on the political chopping block.
"Pai ulung" is a local term commonly used to describe a wrong move made by gamblers when playing card games and also botched political manoeuvres, such as the purported plot to oust Hajiji.
Talk was rife here of a possible reshuffle, including the sacking of state Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin as one of the three deputy chief ministers. He is also state works minister.
Talk of the coup started filtering out on Thursday, when word got out that an announcement of a new government here was imminent, as some state Umno and Parti Warisan leaders had held separate meetings.
The meetings involved Bung Moktar and former chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak at the Sabah Umno Building here on Thursday afternoon, while Warisan leaders were seen at a hotel where a press conference by party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal was scheduled at 4.30pm.
Two hours later, the conference was called off.
Former Institute of Development Studies chief executive officer Anthony Kiob said it looked like a botched attempt to take over the Sabah government.
"The failed coup has left many questions unanswered as well," he said, stressing that the keyword for the state to move on would be to reshuffle its cabinet.
Kiob said some leaders had mistakenly underestimated Hajiji as someone they could bully, not realising the chief minister had his own supporters from within the plotters' group.
"I guess people have had enough of all this politicking and just want to move on, especially now that the whole country is forging ahead under the national unity government."
Hajiji, who is Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman, has the support of at least 41 of the 79 assemblymen in the State Legislative Assembly.
Among them are 15 former Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia assemblymen, seven each from Parti Bersatu Sabah and the state Pakatan Harapan, six from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, and six from nominated members of the State Legislative Assembly.
Warisan permanent chairman Datuk Karim Bujang said he only learnt about developments on the alleged coup from news reports on social media and local newspapers.
"I was not well the last few days, but based on what I gathered, I would rather see things move, particularly now that the unity government is charting a course for the country.
"Having said that, I see there are still some unsettled issues among certain parties. We just have to wait and see."
Political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang of Universiti Teknologi Mara said the bungled coup had affected the current affairs of the state government.
"It clearly indicates that the political cooperation between GRS and Barisan Nasional is at a precarious situation," he said, adding that a stable state government was vital to ensure the smooth running of the state.
"GRS and BN need to sit down and seek a consensus. There must be a political compromise between both parties if they want the current state government to rule Sabah."