Quarantined reps skip swearing-in function

KOTA KINABALU: Except for two Parti Warisan Sabah assemblymen who are on self-quarantine, it’s business as usual for the other Opposition representatives.

Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong and Bugaya assemblyman Datin Manis Muka Mohd Darah from the Covid-19 red zone in Semporna district have decided to voluntarily isolate themselves.

In a statement yesterday, Warisan explained this was why the duo did not attend the swearing-in of assemblymen at the Sabah legislative assembly on Friday.

Party president and Senallang assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Sabah PKR chief and Api- Api assemblyman Datuk Christina Liew, Sabah DAP chief Datuk Frankie Poon and other Opposition reps were among those present.

Prior to the swearing-in, all reps took the rapid antigen test which was a prerequisite for attendance.

Late on Friday, Chief Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor was confirmed positive amid growing concerns over the health status of politicians in the state due to the spike in the number of cases.

Hajiji was among five of 79 assemblymen – including the six nominated members – who were absent from the swearing-in ceremony.

The other two were SAPP’s Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee and Bersatu’s Datuk Amisah Yasin, both nominated assemblymen.

Amisah was reportedly on self-quarantine while Yong said he was unable to attend and would ask to be sworn in later. He did not indicate whether he was observing self-quarantine.

Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin said he would leave early for Kuala Lumpur to be able to attend the parliamentary sitting which begins on Nov 2.

In a Facebook posting yesterday, the DAP MP said all Sabah MPs were required to be in the national capital by Oct 17 to accommodate the quarantine period.

“This sitting is important as it will debate the 2021 Budget and 12th Malaysia Plan. MPs should not abandon their duties and not attend just because of the SOP.

“I will follow through with the SOP which means I will be out of my parliamentary constituency for about two months, as the sitting will end on Dec 15,” he added.