AN opposition rep has joined Parti Warisan Sabah, increasing its grip on the state.

Warisan now has 31 seats in the state legislative assembly, following the entry of Labuk assemblyman Abdul Rahman Kongkawang, who jumped ship from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).

Rahman was vice-president of PBS, of which he had been a member for 20 years.

Welcoming the rep into Warisan today, president Mohd Shafie Apdal said Rahman met him during the Sandakan by-election on May 10 and voiced interest in crossing over.

“I deliberated on his application… his reason for wanting to join Warisan is to ensure the continuity of development and progress in his constituency,” he told reporters when announcing Rahman’s membership.

Rahman said he informed the PBS leadership yesterday of his reason for quitting.

“They were disappointed with my decision, but I have to do it because I have a huge responsibility to voters, to ensure development and progress in Labuk.”

PBS is now left with just four assemblymen – Joniston Bangkuai (Kiulu), Jahid Jahim (Tamparuli), Julita Mojungki (Matunggong) and Joachim Gunsalam (Kundasang).

Among the other parties in the Warisan-led alliance are PKR, which has two state seats, DAP (six), United Pasokmomogun Kadazanmurut Organisation (four) and Bersatu (nine).

Besides PBS, the opposition Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku has three seats and Umno (one). – September 27, 2019.