The Papar MP said Warisan had often accused GRS of being a “party of defectors”, but recent political developments showed that party hopping was also taking place in other blocs – and even being celebrated.

Pitas Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah deputy division chief Harun Ismail, Pantai Manis Gagasan Rakyat information chief Amri Abu Bakar, and Tanjung Kapur Liberal Democratic Party division chief Peter Chin recently joined Warisan ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election on Nov 29.

“Many parties, including Warisan, have built a narrative portraying GRS as a party of defectors, a nest for people who jump parties,” Armizan told reporters at a press conference in Papar.

“But if we look at the latest developments, those who have jumped ship, including certain party leaders, are not only from Gagasan Rakyat or GRS, but also from Barisan Nasional (BN), and their defections are being greeted with red carpet and press conferences to celebrate their entry.

“Whether it’s because they were not nominated, I don’t want to comment. But if that’s the reason, then perhaps it serves as an opportunity to cleanse the party… Because our struggle is not based on personal interests.”

Armizan stressed that leaders must accept the party’s decisions regarding candidate selection, as the ultimate struggle is for the people, not for personal gain.

At the same time, he questioned Warisan’s stance, saying the party now appears to have normalised the act of party hopping.

“Previously, GRS was accused of being a haven for defectors but now they themselves are welcoming leaders from other parties.

“So thank you to Warisan, because they’ve answered the very accusation they once made against GRS.”