Warisan's Dr Yusof quits party to be govt-friendly independent

KOTA KINABALU: Opposition Parti Warisan Sabah's Dr Yusof Yacob (pic) quit the party on Friday (Oct 8), ending weeks of speculation.

The 66-year-old veteran politician, who was Sindumin assemblyman, however, said that he was now an independent in support of the state and Federal governments.

Announcing his decision at a press conference here, Dr Yusof said that his decision was done in the interest of the people as he could provide better services by aligning himself with the government.

"There is a lot to be done for the people in Sipitang and as an Opposition (lawmaker) I am unable to provide assistance to the people," he said.

Speculation has been rife that Dr Yusof, a former state minister in the Warisan Plus state government, was heading back to his old party, Umno, and that he was also being wooed by Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia Sabah.

Dr Yusof was the second Warisan assemblyman to quit after the Sept 26 state snap elections last year.

The party's Sebatik assemblyman Hassan A Gani Pg Amir quit to become an independent on Feb 25, this year.

An attempt by Warisan to vacate the Sebatik seat through a pre-signed resignation letter was rejected by state Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya.

Hassan joined Bersatu in April though Warisan continues to pursue the alleged breach of trust through civil action.

Warisan, which won 23 seats in the state elections, was the single largest party in the 73 member House.

With two assemblymen leaving and the death of Bugaya assemblyman Manis Mukah Mohd Darah on Nov 17 last year, the party was left with 20 assemblymen in the current 78 member assembly.