TWENTY assemblymen from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku, Umno, Upko and PBS had themselves sworn-in for the second time on orders from the state assembly speaker, Syed Abbas Syed Ali. 

The representatives were sworn-in along with Apas assemblyman Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan who was absent whey first sworn-in last June 12 in rejection of the Warisan, PH and Upko poll victory. 

All but former chief minister Musa Aman who is the Sibuga assemblyman remained absent from the ceremony.  

According to Star president Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, said the swearing-in does not mean the parties have conceded defeat and become the state opposition.  

“We are not conceding defeat. We have received a letter from the state assembly speaker Syed Abbas Syed Ali on June 27 to have a fresh swearing-in. 

“So we had a meeting and we comply out of respect to the August house. We have not conceded defeat in the polls, we are doing it out of respect of this house,” he said in reference to the court challenge on the legitimacy of the appointment of chief minister after the May 9 election.  

The State Legislative Assembly office came under fire when the 19 assemblymen requested to be sworn-in on June 12 without informing the state government, previously. 

According to Jeffrey, the swearing-in was held around 8am this morning and along with the presence of the speaker and his two deputies. 

Karanaan assemblyman Masidi Manjun who is Umno Ranau chief said the letter to call for a fresh swearing-in is only part and parcel of the process. 

“The speaker is the head of the legislative so (it is just) out of respect,” he said.  – July 2, 2018.