MN’s executive secretary, Irwan Rizal, acknowledged that the resignations stemmed from dissatisfaction over recent issues, but noted that they are manageable since the committee is still in a “sponsoring status”.

“Sabah MN is not dissolved and will continue as usual. The composition of its sponsoring committee will be announced as soon as further information is received,” he said in a statement today.

“MN wishes to express its appreciation and thanks to all the individuals involved.”

Irwan’s statement follows media reports that the 32 members of the Sabah MN pro tem committee had unanimously agreed to dissolve it, citing a loss of confidence in MN chairman Annuar Musa’s leadership.

Sabah MN chairman Jismit Japong said while Annuar had assured the state chapter of full autonomy when it was formed two years ago, its central leadership did not consult the chapter on various issues.

Jismit said an official letter would be sent to the NGO’s headquarters within 14 days to inform it of the dissolution.

In his statement, Irwan also revealed that on Aug 3, the Sabah MN pro tem committee had proposed transforming the NGO into a political party, suggesting Annuar as the potential president.

“It is important to emphasise that MN will remain a registered NGO in accordance with the approval from the Registrar of Societies,” he said, adding that MN was officially registered as an NGO by the RoS on Sept 19, 2019.

Irwan said MN will not transition into a political party but will continue as an NGO, working alongside political parties that share similar aspirations and goals.

It is unclear whether the issues that led to the dissatisfaction of the Sabah MN pro tem committee were related to the apparent rejection of the proposal.

MN was originally a short-lived political alliance between PAS and Umno, which ended in December 2022.

Subsequently, MN the NGO was formed with former Barisan Nasional secretary-general Annuar as its chairman.