Sugut assemblyman sacked from Umno after joining Gagasan Rakyat
KOTA KINABALU - Sugut assemblyman Datuk James Ratib confirms that he was sacked from Umno after joining Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat).
He now held the position of Sugut division sponsor chief after joining the party.
"I did not receive any (termination) letter as they just verbally told me about it. I know I have been sacked and I wanted to leave (Umno) already," he told reporters when asked about his sacking from Umno.
He said this after attending the Sabah Invest Berhad iftar ceremony, here, yesterday.
He added that the process he went through in becoming a member of Gagasan Rakyat went smoothly.
"I filled in a form and now I am the Sugut division chief," he said.
Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar previously announced that three Sabah assemblymen who were Umno-BN members have been sacked from the party.
Besides Ratib, the two others were Tempasuk assemblyman Datuk Mohd Arsad Bistary and Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya.
Meanwhile, Tanjung Keramat assemblyman who was also Putatan MP Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya has been suspended from Umno for six years.
Actions were taken against them following their support for Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as the Sabah Chief Minister and for joining Gagasan Rakyat led by Hajiji.
In another development, Ratib who was also the Sabah Community Development and People's Welfare Minister said he has yet to receive complaints on the prices of goods or shortages in the state.
"From the supply standpoint, everything is sufficient and we will continue to monitor the prices to ensure it is stable.
"I will conduct rounds in the area to ensure that the prices of items are not increased and supplies are sufficient," he said.
Asked about the egg supply issue, he admitted that only high quality eggs were available in the market.
"This matter is now being reviewed as most sellers prefer to sell Omega eggs with its higher price.
"It is expensive, but the government has given the subsidy and it is up to the people to choose," he said.
Previously, in a survey conducted by Sinar Harian, it was found that most supermarkets in Kota Kinabalu sold Omega eggs at a higher price than normal eggs.
