A well-placed source in the Sabah state government said a coup attempt which fizzled out yesterday was now back on the cards.
The plan to topple Hajiji was said to have been driven by Bung and Warisan president Shafie Apdal but the plan fell apart because many in Sabah Umno did not agree to Shafie becoming chief minister, said the source.
“Now it is understood that Shafie will give way to Bung as chief minister. This has breathed new life into the plan,” the source said, while noting that Bung’s coming to power as chief minister would be disastrous for Sabah and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
“Bung is still facing trial for corruption, and while the trial is not over, it will still reflect badly on the state administration. It will also severely affect investor confidence in the country and Sabah in particular.”
Bung is charged with two counts of receiving bribes amounting to RM2.2 million and RM262,500 as gratification when he was Felcra’s chairman. He is alleged to have done so to obtain Felcra’s approval to make a RM150 million investment in a unit trust in June 2015.
The source said Anwar and his unity government would also face criticisms if Bung, who is now deputy chief minister, were to take over the top position.
“Many Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters are not fond of Bung because of his past behaviour and controversial remarks in Parliament. His coming to power will also affect the credibility of Anwar and PH because Umno is part of Anwar’s unity government.
“Anwar would be seen as a weak prime minister who can’t get the people who support him to work together and ensure political stability,” said the source.
Warisan, which has already lost a lot of credibility in the state, would also lose the respect of its supporters if it worked with Bung, the source said. “Its rhetoric on fighting corruption will be proven to be just talk.”
Hajiji’s state government is formed by members of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah, of which he is chairman, and Barisan Nasional, largely composed of Sabah Umno led by Bung.
The coalition commands the support of 53 state assembly members. GRS has 29 seats and BN (Umno) 17. The government also has the support of Sabah PH (7) and several minor parties, while Warisan (19) forms the state opposition.