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Minister Denies Sandakan MP Defection Rumors

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. inister-denies-sandakan-mp-defection-rumors.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 2:10 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
      Locales: Sabah, Pahang, MALAYSIA

PUTRAJAYA, February 15th, 2026 - Health Minister Dr. Armizan Mohd Ali today forcefully refuted rumors circulating regarding a potential defection of Sandakan MP Datuk Stephen Wong Kiandee to Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the coalition currently governing the state of Sabah. The denial comes amidst a period of heightened political speculation and maneuvering, raising questions about the stability of both state and federal alliances.

Dr. Armizan addressed the press this morning, explicitly labeling the reports as "baseless rumors aimed at creating political instability." He emphasized the importance of responsible information consumption and urged the public to rely on verified sources before accepting such claims as truth. "Don't believe any rumours. It's a tactic to cause political instability. Verify from credible sources," he stated firmly.

The reports suggesting Kiandee's move to GRS, a coalition aligned with the current federal government, have been gaining traction in recent days, fueled by social media speculation and unconfirmed reports in certain online news outlets. GRS, comprised of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (GAGASAN), Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), Sabah STAR, and United Sabah Party (USUP), has been a key pillar of support for the federal administration. A defection of a prominent MP like Kiandee could potentially shift the political landscape, though the Health Minister downplayed its significance.

However, the timing of these rumors is notable. Political analysts suggest a deliberate attempt to sow discord within the ruling coalition, potentially ahead of upcoming by-elections or preparations for the next general election. Sabah, in particular, has become a crucial battleground for political parties, with various factions vying for control of the state's resources and representation.

Kiandee, a seasoned politician, has been a Member of Parliament for Sandakan since 2018. Previously a key figure in Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), he later joined Parti Warisan Sabah. His potential switch to GRS would represent a significant realignment, and could be interpreted as a sign of shifting allegiances amongst Sabah's political leaders. The claims have prompted a flurry of activity amongst political strategists, who are assessing the potential impact on parliamentary numbers and state assembly dynamics.

Beyond the immediate denial, the incident highlights the increasing prevalence of disinformation and its impact on the political process. The rapid spread of unverified information through social media platforms poses a challenge to traditional media and necessitates a more critical approach to news consumption. Dr. Armizan's call for verification underscores the government's concern about the erosion of public trust and the manipulation of political narratives.

The recent trend of political maneuvering and potential party hopping is also raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral system. Calls for stricter regulations regarding party membership and defection have been growing louder, with some advocating for anti-hopping laws to ensure political stability. The current situation in Sabah and the surrounding political atmosphere underscores the need for a robust and transparent system that safeguards against opportunistic political moves.

While Dr. Armizan has dismissed the rumors, the underlying currents of political speculation remain. Observers will be closely watching the actions of both Kiandee and GRS leaders in the coming weeks to assess the veracity of the claims and gauge the potential for further political realignments. The stability of the Sabah state government, and by extension, the federal coalition, may depend on it. The Minister's strong denial, while intended to quell the rumors, has also drawn attention to them, potentially prolonging the speculation and necessitating further clarification from all parties involved. The situation remains fluid, and the political landscape is subject to change as events unfold.