Hajiji Haji Noor at his official Seri Gaya residence before departing for Istana Serii Kinabalu. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KOTA KINABALU: The Opposition are trying to cobble up a 37-seat majority to stop Gabungan Rakyat Sabah chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor from being sworn in as the next Sabah Chief Minister early Sunday (Nov 30).
It is learnt that Warisan, which has won 24 seats, need another 13 seats – which they are hoping to get from Sabah Umno (eight), Parti KDM (one), Sabah STAR (two) and three independents – far a simple majority and form government.
Both Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin have yet to make any statement since unofficial results started coming in on Saturday (Nov 29) evening.
It is learnt certain political players are trying to form a coalition to be the next state government.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Upko president Datuk Seri Ewon Benedick and former party president Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau have gone to Istana Seri Kinabalu to discuss their readiness to form a coalition with GRS.
GRS, which officially won 30 seats, is working with its partner Pakatan Harapan to form a coalition with Upko and draw in the support of the independents to make up 37 seats.
According to sources, once official results are out, there is a possibility that the swearing-in ceremony for Hajiji will take place immediately on Nov 30.
As of 1.30am, GRS officially has 30 seats, Warisan (22), Barisan (six), Upko (two), Pakatan (one), Sabah STAR (two) and Parti KDM (one).
The remaining seats without official results are Darau, Inanam and Karambunai.
