KOTA KINABALU: The recent meeting between Umno Sabah state assembly members and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has sparked speculation about the latest political situation in Sabah.
This follows the party's withdrawal of support for Hajiji in January.
It is understood that a group of Umno Sabah assembly members met with Hajiji at a restaurant in Tuaran recently, giving rise to rumours about their potential return of support to Hajiji, as well as alleged internal rifts within the party.
Based on viral images on social media, notable figures present at the meeting included Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak (Usukan), Datuk Raimie Unggi, Datuk Yakub Khan (Karambunai), and Mohd Tamin Zainal (Pantai Manis).
However, Umno Sabah Election Director Jeffrey Nor Mohamed, in a statement, denied these rumours, describing the meeting as relating to the personal affairs of the involved members and administrative matters of the state government.
He said that the meeting aimed to gather information on various issues in the state government's administration so that the members involved could have a clearer understanding of the raised issues.
Umno Supreme Council Member and Deputy Chief of Umno Sabah Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, in his Facebook post, characterised the meeting as a routine matter, especially since it took place in an open setting.
"In my opinion, the casual meeting between the Chief Minister and Umno Sabah members recently is a normal occurrence. It was done openly.
"In a few days, the Sabah State Assembly will convene to discuss and approve the 2024 budget. Umno Sabah members undoubtedly want to express their views and suggestions for their constituencies.
"I am also informed that there will be some proposed amendments to the Sabah state constitution requiring the support of two-thirds of the state assembly. Certainly, what is good for Sabah and the people of Sabah will be supported by Umno Sabah state members," he said.
The meeting between Umno assembly members and Hajiji is considered 'extraordinary' due to the strained relationship between Umno Sabah and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government, following the party's announcement, led by Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin, to withdraw support for Hajiji in January.
This action is said to stem from a loss of confidence in Hajiji as Chief Minister, as well as dissatisfaction with some of Hajiji's decisions allegedly made without prior consultation with Umno Barisan Nasional (BN), their political cooperation partner before.
However, this action that sparked political turmoil in Sabah earlier this year was not unanimously agreed upon by some UMNO assembly members who took a stand to continue supporting Hajiji as Chief Minister and the GRS government to continue administering the state.
They include Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Datuk James Ratib (Sugut), Datuk Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk), and Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin).
