KOTA KINABALU: The five Umno state assemblymen who refused to support Sabah Umno's move to withdraw support from the state government, are prepared to have action taken against them, including being fired from the party.
The assemblymen involved are Datuk Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk) and Datuk James Ratib (Sugut).
Yesterday, Shahelmey who is also the Sabah Community Development and People's Welfare Minister, said they have sent statutory declarations (SD) expressing support for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said he had no intention of withdrawing the SD and support given to Hajiji despite pressure from Umno, for not agreeing to change the state government at this time.
"My support for the Chief Minister has not changed, because there is no reason for us to change the current state government.
"I have not changed my stance towards the party and I am still an Umno member. (But), if there is action taken against me, I leave it to the party," he said when met at a meeting of 44 assemblymen who supported Hajiji at the Sabah Chief Minister's official residence in Sri Gaya, here, yesterday.
Previously, Jasnih, who is also the state's Assistant Finance Minister, also expressed his readiness to be fired from the party following his decision to remain in support of Hajiji as the CM.
He admitted that he was asked to sign an SD to change the current government to a coalition government of BN and Parti Warisan (Warisan) with Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin as the Chief Minister.
"I have decided not to support the change of government because of several factors from a professional and personal point of view.
"But the fact is that I will continue to support the government that is under the leadership of Hajiji as long as I hold the title of Pantai Dalit assemblyman.
"I understand the risk of my actions and is ready and open to receive punishment or dismissal from Umno," he said.
In a joint statement issued by the five assemblymen earlier, they emphasised the importance of maintaining political stability in Sabah and rejected any attempt or action by any party that wanted to cause chaos and unrest among the people.
It is understood that the five were also planning to establish a new party as a political basis to remain with the government under the leadership of Hajiji if they are fired or action is taken by Umno against them.
Previously, Bung Moktar said the five assemblymen involved would be subject to disciplinary action if they did not comply with the party's decision, which was agreed unanimously.
Last Friday, Bung Moktar announced the decision of BN and Sabah Umno to withdraw support for the state government established with the Sabah People's Coalition (GRS) after the 16th State Election (PRN16) in September 2020.
The move, he said, came after he lost faith in Hajiji as Chief Minister who he alleged had violated the previous agreement with BN, including firing the Sabah BN Elections Director, Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak as Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB) chairman.