KOTA KINABALU: Independent Kuamut assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah has denied plans to join any party including a new party being formed by former Parti Warisan vice-president Datuk Peter Anthony.

       "There are offers from several local and national parties, and even some local parties are offering the post of deputy president and vice-president (appointed) but I am still keeping an open mind," he said in a statement Thursday (Jan 27).

       He was referring to political talk that he would join a new local party or a national party in government.

       “So far, I am still an independent assemblyman who supports the government and I’ve not been interested in joining any party as my political platform.

       “I will not make any decision in a hurry," said Masiung, who was seen to be closely allied to Peter during the Warisan Plus led state government (2018-2020).

       "Wait until the time comes, I will make an official announcement," said Masiung, who won the Kuamut seat as an independent.

       He was previously with local based party Upko that left Barisan Nasional after the 2018 general election to team up with Warisan and Pakatan Harapan to form the new state government.

       Peter is expected to launch his new party in Sabah's interior Tenom on Friday (Jan 28).