Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the state assembly sitting to debate the 2019 state budget today, he said his party members remained loyal to Sabah Umno.

“The issue does not arise at all because we are all part of the GBS opposition bloc. There’s no question of coming and going – that’s not true.”

He added that Umno would “continue the fight”, saying several opposition members would take part in the debate of the chief minister-cum-finance minister’s budget speech today.

Besides Sabah Umno, GBS comprises elected representatives from PBS and PBRS as well as independent assemblymen. There are a total of 21 reps in the opposition bloc.

Sabah Umno secretary Masidi Manjun meanwhile urged party members to start playing their role as an effective opposition.

“The main thing right now is for us to be grounded with all the people’s issues,” the Karanaan assemblyman said.

“We need to be realistic about all the issues and speak the truth without fear. It’s also about being able to be open to the real problems.”

On the possibility of Sabah Umno members leaving the party, the former state minister said politics was dynamic.

“I cannot predict the future. Politics is dynamic; it is constantly changing.

“Look at the recent polls – the trend has already changed. Things that once nobody wanted are now wanted.”