Editor’s Note: This article has been amended to reflect the latest version of the statement issued by the five Umno assemblypersons. An earlier version calls for Bung Moktar Radin’s resignation.

Five Sabah Umno assemblypersons dissenting the party’s decision to rescind support for Hajiji Noor have voiced their backing for the embattled chief minister.

“We hereby announce our undivided support for Hajiji Noor as the legitimate chief minister under the constitution,” they said.

In a joint statement today, they said now is not the time for power grabs and instead should focus on elevating the people’s standard of living.

“We are shocked by the actions of several parties, particularly the chairperson of the Sabah Umno liaison committee who is working to topple the legitimate government of Sabah.

“We strongly condemn this act,” they said.

The statement was signed by Shahelmey Yahya (Tanjung Keramat), Jasnih Daya (Pantai Dalit), James Ratib (Sugut), Yusuf Yacob (Sindumin), and Mohd Arsad Bistari (Tempasuk).

Yesterday, Bung announced that the party is withdrawing its support for Hajiji’s leadership and also questioned his legitimacy.

Umno has 17 seats in the 70-member state assembly. While Bung acknowledged that five of them do not agree with his decision, he said the matter is a party decision and is final.

“The party’s decision is final and we will take any necessary action including disciplinary action against any Umno assemblyperson who doesn’t support the party decision,” he told reporters last night.

Earlier today, Shahelmey had said that he is prepared to face “any consequence” for opposing the Sabah Umno decision.

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