Kukusan rep Rina quits Warisan to join Harapan Rakyat

Rina said she was joining Harapan Rakyat to enable her to better serve the people of Tawau, especially in her constituency, in line with Harapan Rakyat's focus.

"This (step) was unexpected. I'm attracted to this party which was set up by the late Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin. I want to focus my service in Tawau, in my constituency. No need to be troubled by the politics of power struggle," she told a news conference here.

Also present was Harapan Rakyat president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah. Rina is the first assemblyman from Harapan Rakyat, which was established in 2016.

Warisan now has 18 seats in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly, after its Bugaya state assemblyman Manis Muka Darah died, six assemblymen including Rina quit the party and two representatives from DAP joined it. Warisan won 23 seats in the 16th state election.

Liew said the party accepted Rina because she is sincere in her struggle as an assemblyman.

"Nothing was given (to Rina) other than a cup of coffee when we discussed this matter. We see her struggle as similar to ours, so we cooperate. Please don't spread lies against her," he said.

Asked on Harapan Rakyat's direction, he said all parties should support Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), which is led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, to bring development to the state.

He said Harapan Rakyat had submitted its application to join GRS recently.

Meanwhile, Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said Rina's actions were anticipated and would not affect the strength of the party, especially at the grassroots level in Kalabakan and Tawau.

The Semporna MP said Warisan supporters and grassroots were still strong and ready to face their rivals at the upcoming 15th General Election (GE15).

"GE15 is coming and I am confident Malaysians know the situation, every Warisan leader has sacrificed a lot previously to bring change to Malaysia and Sabah. Various measures were taken to weaken Warisan but we have remained strong.

"So her actions do not affect Warisan's grassroots," he told reporters after officiating the Warisan Keaamatan Festival Open House in Kadamaian, Kota Belud.