Shafie: We didn't stop willing defectors but don't coerce the unwilling
Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal wants an investigation into a series of attempts to coerce assemblypersons from the state ruling government to defect.
Shafie said he had not stopped those who want to defect but those who are unwilling to be bought are seeing people turning up at their homes and being threatened...
Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal wants an investigation into a series of attempts to coerce assemblypersons from the state ruling government to defect.
Shafie said he had not stopped those who want to defect but those who are unwilling to be bought are seeing people turning up at their homes and being threatened.
"This can affect public order within the state and in the country. If an elected representative wants to switch sides, we do not have a problem with it as we do not want to impose.
"Like how (Kuala Penyu assemblyperson) Limus Jury and (Sugut assemblyperson) James Ratib joined the opposition. Go ahead, we do not impose. We do not threaten people as we do things in accordance with the law.
"I do not deny there are attempts to buy over assemblypersons but if someone does not want to be bought, then enough. They are not for sale," he said in a statement.
Shafie said he understood that there were attempts by certain representatives to approach assemblypersons by going into their homes.
"Even if we want to enter someone's house, we need a warrant to show the purpose.
"This did not just happen once, it has happened repeatedly and threatened the individuals' peace," he said.
Shafie said police reports have been lodged and he hopes police will investigate the mastermind behind the representatives who are trying to entice or coerce assemblypersons to switch sides.
"Who do they represent? Who is meeting the YBs? Are they trying to form a new government or become the chief minister? I am confident there is someone behind these people," he said.
Shafie, who is both the Semporna MP and Senallang assemblyperson, also hinted that he may reveal something in the Dewan Rakyat.
"I will voice out in Parliament soon as it is harder to speak outside due to obstacles and restrictions," he said.
Shafie said the buying of assemblypersons was unhealthy, adding that there are also assemblypersons who have agreed to switch sides but are now wavering.
He said the assemblypersons should be allowed to focus on handling the Covid-19 pandemic and not be pressured to defect.
Shafie's comment came a day after Warisan chairperson Liew Vui Keong confirmed a "massive coup attempt" to buy over assemblypersons.
Former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman is reportedly trying to gather enough assemblypersons to wrest control of the state government.
Shafie led the opposition to unseat Musa's government in the 2018 general election.
Shafie, who is the Warisan president, heads a coalition state government comprising his party, Harapan and Upko.
Shafie's party and allies control 45 seats in the 65-member state assembly.
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