She said her decision was based on the obstacles that she faced in serving her constituents as an opposition assemblyman.

“If I wanted rewards, I would have left Warisan a long time ago and accepted offers that came from big parties,” Berita Harian quoted her as saying.

“If there are people making wild accusations that I have been bought or given rewards, I can’t stop them.”

Rina said that she was unable to fulfil her constituents’ needs as an opposition assemblyman, adding that it was a problem applying for aid and infrastructure among others.

She also said that she had tried her best to reach out to government agencies and acquaintances, but was ignored as she was in the opposition.

“Despite the fact that I regularly helped not only my constituents but also others in Pulau Sebatik, Merotai and Kalabakan, my efforts were pointless due to the obstacles that I faced as an opposition representative,” she said.

Therefore, she said she had to leave Warisan for the sake of her constituents.

Last Sunday, Warisan president Shafie Apdal said that Rina signed “a document” before announcing her departure from the party and that she also received a “reward” which further prompted her to leave the party.

PHRS is a party that is friendly to the state government led by Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional.