He questioned whether Hajiji still had majority support in the Sabah state assembly and said Hajiji should now test his majority in accordance with the state constitution.
Leiking also contended that four MPs from Sabah Bersatu would have to vacate their seats under the anti-hopping law if they had resigned from the party.
The four MPs are Armizan Ali (Papar), Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan (Batu Sapi), Jonathan Yasin (Ranau) and Matbali Musah (Sipitang), who stood for election on the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah ticket.
Hajiji, in his announcement this morning, said that his group would leave Bersatu but remain as members of GRS, of which he is chairman, and would later form a new party.
However, Leiking contended that they are members of Bersatu, led by Muhyiddin Yassin, and their resignation from Bersatu would trigger the anti-hopping law.
Leiking also questioned the position of Armizan and Khairul Firdaus as Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister and deputy tourism, arts and culture minister respectively.
“If there is any ambiguity, this must be made clear otherwise the entire process in enacting the anti-hopping law will become a sham,” he said.
He said Hajiji would be partyless and in an unclear position after leaving Bersatu. “Should he not go back to the state assembly to check his majority?” Leiking said.
He also suggested that the governor, Juhar Mahiruddin, should recall Hajiji’s appointment and seek a clarification from all state assembly members if Hajiji still had majority support.
GRS has pledged its support for Anwar Ibrahim’s government at the federal level. However, Bersatu forms the parliamentary opposition as part of Perikatan Nasional.
GRS was formed after the Sabah state elections of 2020. The coalition comprises Sabah Bersatu, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) and United Sabah National Organisation.
An alliance of GRS and Sabah Barisan Nasional forms the state government, and controls 38 of the 73 seats in the state assembly, of which 15 were won by GRS, 14 by Barisan Nasional and seven by PBS.
FMT has reached out to an aide to Hajiji for comment.