Baranting, who had been with PBS since its inception 34 years ago, also announced her resignation from all party posts including the women’s chief position which she had held for six years.

The two-term assemblyman had been notably absent from the party’s anniversary celebration in interior Tambunan yesterday.

Speaking today, she said she and her entourage comprising 50-odd former Tandek machinery members from MCA, Gerakan and Umno were joining Warisan of their own accord.

“We decided to join Warisan because it is the ruling party in Sabah, and we want to continue helping the government and serving the people so they will obtain continuous development.”

She said she first noted Warisan’s sincerity in fighting for the people after the May 9 polls, and that her intention to join the party became stronger about five months later.

She added however that it was a collective decision by her Tandek team, which had also carried out a survey among the grassroots to assess their response to the move.

Baranting handed over her application form to Warisan president Shafie Apdal at his office today.

Shafie, who is also chief minister, said Baranting’s move was a historic event for Warisan.

Baranting is the first PBS representative to join Warisan since last year’s general election.

Former Umno assemblyman Osman Jamal had officially joined Warisan on Monday.

PBS now has five state seats: Matunggong, Tamparuli, Kiulu, Kundasang and Labuk. Its sole parliamentary seat in Kota Marudu is held by its president, Maximus Ongkili.

Warisan meanwhile has 30 state seats in the 60-seat state assembly, including Baranting’s. Its allies PKR and DAP have two and six, while Upko has four.