Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan (Warisan) lost another three elected representatives, Monday, when Kunak Assemblywoman Norazlinah Arif, Mohammad Mohamarin (Banggi) and Ben Chong (Tanjong Kapor) announced their decision to leave the party.
In a joint statement, they said they would remain independent and would support the current Sabah Government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
They said the move was taken after
examining and considering aspects from all angles, including the direction of the political coalitions in Sabah and the views of the grassroots in the area they represent.
“We are of the view that the time has come to put a stop to polemics in politics or actions to create instability to the Government as these would affect efforts to develop the State and improve the people’s welfare,” said Norazlinah in a video.
“We will work together with the Chief Minister and the State Government to continue the positive momentum of the State’s development and increase its revenue through the direction of Sabah Maju Jaya.
“We are also determined to continue to focus and provide better services for the people in our constituency in particular and Sabah and Malaysia in general.”
In the recorded video sent via WhatsApp to Daily Express, Norazlinah also said:
“I no longer want to spend my time and energy arguing with one another and have decided to focus on fighting for the ‘Keluarga Kunak’ whom I represent.”
Norazlinah said they hope to continue their services for their constituents.
“We would like to thank and apologise to the President (Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal), friends and party supporters.
“Along with our decision, we relinquish all positions in the party, whether at
the divisional level or in the Supreme Council.”
Norazlinah was Warisan Women Chief while both Mohammad and Ben were Supreme Council members.
With the departure of Norazlinah, Mohammad and Ben, Warisan now has 16 assemblymen in the 79-seat State Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile, former Kunak community development leader Bahri Lakile, who also decided to jump ship, said a majority of Warisan members in Kunak support Norazlinah’s move.
Some 21 Kunak Warisan branch chiefs and other branch leaders were present here, Monday, to show their support to Norazlinah.
