Kuamut assemblyman joins Warisan
Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has decided to join Par Warisan Sabah, 25 days a er having le the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisa on (Upko).
TENOM: Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has decided to join Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan), 25 days after having left the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko).
Masiung handed over his membership application form to Warisan secretary-general Loretto Sipin Padua here yesterday, in conjunction with Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister and Warisan vice president Datuk Peter Anthony's Christmas open house.
“This is a wise choice after having given much thought regarding the welfare of the people of Kuamut,” he told reporters when met at the function held at Dewan Seri Antenom here.
Joining in his footsteps were 25 out of the 30 committee members of Upko's Kinabatangan division, 30 of its women's wing committee members, 28 Youth wing committee members and 94 branch chiefs.
Masiung added that his “cooling-off” period was supposed to be two months but because of pressure from his constituents, he cut it short.
The former Upko vice-president said that he decided to switch camp due to the fast changing political developments.
“Normally, we will take two or three months to decide on the next direction but I feel it is not fair to the people of Kuamut if we delay this decision.
“We decided on this after taking into consideration views and advice from colleagues in my area and the political scenario post-GE14 which clearly signals that Sabahans want a party that represents all races.
“In other words, there is a big possibility that parties that are race-based will not have a place in people's hearts in the future,” he said.
Masiung is the second assemblyman to leave Upko. Nabawan assemblyman Bobbey Suan resigned in October and is tipped to join Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.