Its vice-president, Junz Wong, said the departure of Sindumin assemblyman Yusof Yacob, who was the Warisan information chief, was just a “minor setback”.

“It doesn’t change anything,” Wong told FMT.

“Warisan’s struggle will continue despite Yusof’s departure. The party started off with only two MPs and three assemblymen.

“This minor setback won’t change our plans and determination to take control of the Sabah government and form the next federal government after the next general election, which could be months away, given the present political scenario.

“To Yusof, I wish him good luck.”

Wong, who is also the Tanjung Aru assemblyman, said his party was now focused on preparations for the general election.

Yusof, a former state minister under the Warisan-led administration, earlier today announced his departure from Warisan to become an independent assemblyman.

He said he would support Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob at the federal level and the GRS government, led by chief minister Hajiji Noor, at the state level.

Yusof is the second Warisan assemblyman to quit this year, following Sebatik assemblyman Hassan A Gani Pg Amir’s departure on Feb 25.

With the Bugaya seat, formerly held by the party, vacant since the death of incumbent Manis Muka, Warisan is left with only 20 seats in the 73-seat state assembly.

Warisan secretary-general Loretto Padua Jr said the party would meet soon to decide whether to take legal action against Yusof to vacate his seat, similar to what the party had done when Hassan left in February.

“For now, we take note of his resignation,” he said.

Warisan had filed the suit against Hassan for failing to resign his state assembly seat upon his defection from the party. It sought to compel Hassan to honour his pre-signed resignation letter as Sebatik assemblyman.