TYT lodges report against Musa

‘Threat’ may shine light on hurried swearing-in of Sabah CM

KOTA KINABALU: A “threat” report lodged by Sabah's Head of State has shed light on what transpired in the hours before the swearing-in of Tan Sri Musa Aman as Chief Minister on May 10.

The exact nature of the “threat” made against the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin is still unclear, but political sources are claiming that it had a bearing on the subsequent swearing-in of Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, all within the space of 36 hours.

The report alleged that a threat had been made by a senior Sabah Barisan Nasional leader, leading up to the hours of Musa’s swearing-in on the night of May 10.

When contacted yesterday, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Ramli Din confirmed that Juhar had lodged a report against Musa, but declined to comment further.

The swearing-in took place amid doubts that Sabah Barisan commanded a 31-seat majority in the house, as component party Upko had apparently left the coalition before the ceremony took place.

The ceremony at the Istana Negeri, which was scheduled for 8.30pm, only took place at 11.10pm.

Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie was sworn in as Chief Minister on May 12, after defections saw Musa losing his majority.

Two hours before Shafie was sworn in, Musa issued a statement that he had not resigned as Chief Minister, but that he and his officials had vacated the Chief Minister’s official residence Seri Gaya.

Musa has since filed a suit seeking a court declaration that he is the legitimate chief minister of Sabah.