Two Upko reps quit party to become independents supporting Perikatan

James Ratib (left) and Limus Jury.

KOTA KINABALU: Two assemblymen aligned to the ruling Parti Warisan Sabah state government have announced that they are quitting Upko.

Parti Upko's assemblyman for Kuala Penyu Datuk Limus Jury and Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib announced their decision to become independents supporting Perikatan Nasional under Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

They said they felt that it was wise and a better decision to be supportive to the Perikatan government.

"No one forced or persuaded me to quit Upko, it is solely my own decision," said Limus, who had earlier denied plans to quit Upko.

He said instead of continuing to stay in an opposition state, it would do his constituents good if he supported the Federal Government of the day.

James said after GE14, he quit Umno because he wanted to be with a party that is on the same page with the then-Pakatan Harapan federal government.

"But now after the changes in the federal government, I feel that it is only right if we are supportive of the current Perikatan Nasional government. Sabah has become an opposition state," he said.

James said they are also ready to support former Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman if he has the support of all the assemblymen.

He also said that he expects more assemblymen from the state's ruling parties to cross over in the next few days.

Both men however thanked Upko president Datuk Seri Madius Tangau and Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, but said their move was solely for the good of the people.

However, their move will not affect Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal's hold on the state government as he continues to enjoy a two-thirds majority or 45 of the 65-member state assembly.