Sabah’s snap election: The clashes of seats and the CM position Prior to the election day, BN and PN were already clashing on 11 state seats. In fact, Head of Sabah Bersatu Leadership Council Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor appeared shocked to learn about the matter during the press conference to announce the 29 seats to be contested by PN, which was held a few hours after BN announced their candidates. But the matter was resolved after Muhyiddin and BN Chairman Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi had a meeting and announced the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition consisting PN, BN and PBS. When GRS won Sabah’s state election on September 27, there was no immediate announcement on the new Chief Minister position and the swearing-in ceremony did not happen on that day. It was only after a few meetings between the leaders in GRS, Hajiji Noor was chosen to become the new Sabah CM. Perak political crisis The crisis started when Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu was forced to resign as Menteri Besar Perak after losing the vote of confidence in the state legislature - 48 assemblyman voted against him while only 10 voted for him. According to Ilham Center Research Fellow, Associate Prof Dr Hamidin Hamid, the situation reflects the fragility of Bersatu political cooperation with its partners. He explained that Bersatu as a dominant party in Perak and the Federation, with a small number of seats may face challenges to withstand the pressure, especially when UMNO has a large number of seats. The issue is then resolved after PN agreed to back Perak UMNO chairman Datuk Saarani Mohamad as the 14th Perak Menteri Besar. There were speculations that Ahmad Faizal, as Bersatu deputy president, might join the cabinet in Putrajaya after being ousted as MP Perak. He later denied the rumors. He explains: “Currently my position is Member of Parliament of Tambun and Chenderiang State Assemblyman. That is enough tasks and I want to do many other things .. so I will focus on that,”