Masiung’s decision to leave Upko is alright – CM

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is not worried over Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah’s decision to leave United Pasokmomogum Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko).

Shafie admitted that he did not meet Masiung or receive an explanation from Upko president Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau regarding Masiung’s decision.

“Takpalah (It’s okay). The important thing for us is to manage this situation. I think it is not very worrying. I have asked Madius to try contact and solve this matter,” said the Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) president after officiating the two-day Sabah Job & Entrepreneur Fair 2018 at the Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex in Likas here yesterday.

Shafie recalled that Masiung with Pitas assemblyman Datuk Bolkiah Ismail and others had come to his house after the 14th general election to inform him of their intention to join in the Warisan-led Pakatan Harapan and Upko government before the new government was formed.

“There were those among them that wanted to join Parti Warisan and they also wanted to join other parties. I told them it is up to which party that they like. It was just for us at the Warisan level, we have stated to wait for a while because we have a cooling off period to ensure that because we also need to (consider) the condition of the people’s mind on the ground there,” said Shafie.

“I have been made to understand by Madius that he (Masiung) has left Upko but is friendly towards today’s government. He is independent. The important thing for us, as long as we are intact under the current ruling government. We have to manage that and not go out and join other parties,” he added.

Masiung, who is also Kinabtangan Upko division chief, announced his exit from and the relinquishment all of his posts in the party on November 24.