KOTA KINABALU: A video of three Parti Warisan assemblymen announcing that they are quitting the party has gone viral on social media.

The three assemblymen – Mohammad Mohamarin (Banggi), Ben Chong Chen Bin (Tanjong Kapor) and Norazlinah Arif (Kunak) – are featured in the video.

Norazlinah, who is flanked by Mohammad and Chong, is seen making a statement stating that they are leaving the party to become independent candidates supporting Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

However, all three have not responded to queries seeking confirmation if they had left the party.

Norazlinah, in a Facebook post, confirmed that she was stepping down as Warisan Wanita chief but did not directly say she was quitting the party.

The one-minute, 25-second video cuts off abruptly.

A letter purportedly signed by the three with similar wording read out in the video has also spread on social media.

The letter states that they apologise to party president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for their action but it was done in the interest of their constituents.

"We feel that the time has come for political polemics and any action to destabilise the government to stop as it will affect the efforts for state development and the people.

"We will work with the Chief Minister and the state government to continue the positive development momentum to bring about higher state revenue through the government's 'Sabah Maju Jaya' vision," read the letter.

It is understood that party Shafie is currently in Mecca to perform the umrah.

Warisan has 18 assemblymen in the 79-seat Sabah assembly.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/06/video-of-three-warisan-reps-quitting-party-to-support-hajiji-goes-viral