KOTA KINABALU: The departure of former Parti Warisan Sabah information chief Datuk Yusof Yacob (pic) is a minor setback for the party, says its vice-president Datuk Junz Wong.

       "Nothing has changed with Warisan's struggle with the departure of its Sindumin assemblyman Dr Yusof from the party," he said.

       Dr Yusof announced Friday he was going to be a government-friendly independent.

       Wong noted Warisan started with only two MPs and three assemblymen (when it was formed in 2016).

       "This is minor set back. It won’t change our plans and determination to focus on the next general election which is months away," he said, adding that Dr Yusof's move out of the party came as no surprise to them.

       Wong urged members to remain calm and continue focus on the preparation for the coming general election.

       Meanwhile, Warisan secretary general Datuk Loretto Padua said they had taken note of Dr Yusof's announcement.

       He added the party would be submitting Dr Yusof's pre-signed resignation letter to State Assembly Speaker Datuk Kadzim Yahya.

       Warisan previously tried to use a similar letter to get Sebatik assemblyman Hassan A Gani Pg Amir to vacate his seat when he quit the party on Feb 25, this year.

       However, the move was rejected by the Speaker.

       Hassan had joined Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu).

       Warisan currently holds 20 state seats from the 23 seats it won in the Sept 26, 2020 state election.

       The Sebatik seat has remained vacant with the death of Bugaya assemblyman Manis Mukah Mohd Darah on Nov 17 last year.