NOW that the courts have ruled on the chief minister’s suit, Sabah Umno will take its role as the state opposition more seriously, said its liaison chief Hajiji Noor.

Hajiji dismissed rumours the party was suffering a fallout after the court ruled in favour of Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal as the legitimate chief minister.

“The issue of party members crossing over does not arise as we are all part of the new opposition alliance, Gabungan Bersatu Sabah.

“We will continue our fight. Several of our opposition members will take part in the debate of the chief minister-cum-finance minister’s budget speech today,” Hajiji told reporters on the sidelines of the state assembly.

It is understood internal confidence in Umno has hit an all-time low following the court ruling over the chief minister’s suit on November 7, which triggered rumours that up to five Umno leaders are contemplating crossing over.

GBS comprises Parti Bersatu Sabah, Sabah Umno, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah, and several independent representatives and MPs.

GBS has a total of 21 representatives in the state assembly.

Sabah Umno secretary Masidi Manjun said he could not predict if more representatives would cross over in the future, either to Warisan or United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation.

“There’s still the process of appealing. Musa Aman, I believe, is appealing the case.

“I really cannot predict the future. Politics is a dynamic thing. And it is constantly changing,” he said.

According to Masidi, Sabah Umno right now has to rebrand itself as a more localised party, grounded to Sabahan issues.

“We need to be realistic with all the issues and speak the truth without fear.

“It’s also about being open to the real problems,” he said.

During its reign in Sabah, Umno was notorious for dismissing the state’s problems, including with the Malaysia Agreement 1963. – November 12, 2018.