AFTER missing yesterday’s special state legislative assembly sitting, 19 out of the 21 Sabah elected representatives from the Barisan Nasional (BN) and Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah Star) were sworn-in today.

Apart from Umno liaison chief Musa Aman and Umno Apas representative Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, the assemblymen took their oath before the state assembly speaker Syed Abbas Syed Ali around 10.30am earlier today.

Nizam is performing the haj pilgrimage while Musa has left the country and is currently sought by authorities.

Sabah Umno assistant secretary Masidi Manjun said the swearing-in does not reflect the assemblymen’s acceptance of being in the opposition, stating that they are still awaiting the results of a suit filed by Musa to determine the rightful ruling and opposition assemblymen.

Musa claims he is the rightful chief minister, in spite of the fact that Warisan president Shafie Apdal has been sworn in as state chief minister on May 12.

“Well, both claimants have said they will allow the law to take its own course and both parties have said they will respect the decision of the court,” said Masidi.

“We have to let the court to decide.”

When asked about the whereabouts of Musa, Masidi merely said: “I believed he is indisposed for the moment”, and added that during his absence, Sabah Star president Jeffrey Kitingan will perform Musa’s duties.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Umno treasurer Hajiji Noor said the assemblymen were now able to perform their duties in their respective constituencies. – June 12, 2018.