JEFFREY Kitingan never fretted when he was criticised or laughed at by his fellow assemblymen over his speeches in the state assembly. 

Although he was merely a voice in the opposition, he soldiered on, championing, among others, Sabah’s special rights and position in the Federation of Malaysia. 

But the 14th general election did not only see a powerful tsunami topple a powerful regime in Sabah, it also turned the tide for Jeffrey 

The very assemblymen who had held power during the reign of Barisan Nasional (BN) will not be laughing again when Jeffrey stands up to speak in the  state assembly. 

Jeffrey is the sit-in opposition leader, taking his place at the top alongside the leaders of Gabungan Bersatu Sabah, who are reps of Umno, Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) and United Pasok Momogun KadazanDusun Murut Organisation (Upko).

It is a position he graciously accepted at the insistence from his newfound peers. 

Gabungan Bersatu Sabah will replace BN in Sabah, and also see to Umno ceasing to exist in the state. 

Jeffrey will play the role of opposition leader in the absence of Sabah BN chairman Musa Aman.

Musa left Malaysia on May 16 and claimed to be undergoing medical treatment in London, England, insisting meanwhile he is the rightful chief minister. 

“Musa was supposed to be the chief opposition, but I was chosen by all the elected representatives to be the sit-in leader, since I am quite used to being in the opposition,” he said in jest.  

“I accepted it and will carry out the responsibility given to me.” 

Jeffrey, the younger brother of outgoing Parti Bersatu Sabah president Joseph Pairin Kitingan, said it was Karanaan assemblyman Masidi Manjun and Sulaman assemblyman Hajiji Noor who recommended that he be the leader while Musa remained abroad.

“That is why my seat was arranged in a place where usually, the opposition leader is seated. 

“But I believe Musa will return and take his rightful place soon,” said Jeffrey.

Hajiji and Masidi were the two deputy chief ministers in the short-lived Musa cabinet.  

Jeffrey said Musa had until August to be sworn-in as the Sibuga assemblyman, or 120 days from the dissolution of the last state assembly sitting.

Beyond that, the opposition group had thought about who would take over as the opposition leader should Musa fail to reappear. 

They maintain they are the rightful cabinet and Musa the legitimate chief minister, unless the court decides otherwise on July 9.  – July 4, 2018.