All quiet at Istana Negeri Sabah, no movement of elected reps

KOTA KINABALU: A police team is currently guarding the main entrance to Istana Negeri Sabah here, in the lead-up to the swearing-in of the new Chief Minister, expected today.

Although Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) obtained enough seats to form a state government in yesterday's election, the question of who will fill the post of Chief Minister remains unanswered.

GRS is made up of Perikatan Nasional (PN), Barisan Nasional (BN), and Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).

Sources have said that the BN-Umno camp is not satisfied with the choice of Chief Minister from PN, despite the party winning the most seats.

The 16th state election saw PN winning 17 seats, BN obtaining 14 seats, and PBS securing 7 seats.

Last night, the Independent elected representative for Kemambong threw his support behind PN.

According to other sources, the PN camp is currently holding a meeting over the matter. PBS and BN are also said to be holding discussions on the issue.

Thus far, there has been no movement of GRS representatives to Istana Negeri Sabah.

According to Jabatan Penyiaran Sabah Malaysia's Facebook page, as of 8.20am, no swearing-in of the new Chief Minister is scheduled. The department cites Private Secretary to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abinan Asli in making the statement.

Thus far, no statement has been issued by state officials, including from the Information Department.

In the 16th state election, GRS beat Warisan Plus, which secured 32 seats.

The polls saw Parti Warisans Sabah (Warisan) getting 29 seats, PKR winning 2 seats, and the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) obtaining one seat.

Of the 29 seats won under the Warisan banner, 6 seats are held by DAP.

Apart from Rubin Balang, the election also saw two independents winning their contests: Ruddy Awah in Pitas and Datuk Masiung Banah in Kuamut Masiung Banah.