Musa Aman's son sworn in as Sipitang MP
Eight months after the 14th general election, Yamani Hafez Musa has been sworn in as the Sipitang MP – just nine days shy of the Jan 16 deadline.
Before today, he was the only MP in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat who had not taken up his oath of office.
It was previously reported that Yamani was in the United Kingdom shortly after the May 9 general election...
UPDATED 12PM | Yamani Hafez Musa takes his oath, just nine days short of the Jan 16 deadline.
Eight months after the 14th general election, Yamani Hafez Musa has been sworn in as the Sipitang MP – just nine days shy of the Jan 16 deadline.
Before today, he was the only MP in the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat who had not taken up his oath of office.
It was previously reported that Yamani was in the United Kingdom shortly after the May 9 general election.
Yamani, the son of former Sabah chief minister Musa Aman, was one of the five MPs from the state who quit Umno last month.
Besides Yamani, the other MPs who became independents are Ronald Kiandee (Beluran), Azizah Mohd Dun (Beaufort), Zakaria Edris (Libaran) and Rahim Bakri (Kudat).
Read more: Bung claims Yamani still an Umno MP
However, the Sipitang MP was notably absent from the press conference when the move was announced.
Fulfilling duties
Yamani was sworn in today before Dewan Rakyat speaker Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof in the Parliament's Special Chamber.
Congratulating Yamani, Ariff said he is certain that the Sipitang MP will fulfil his duties honourably as a lawmaker.
"As such, I hope the honourable (Sipitang) MP will make a good and beneficial contribution to the House and the country, and serve excellently," the speaker said.
An official later told reporters that the Dewan Rakyat has not been officially informed of Yamani's party status.
"He is (said to be) part of the five Sabah MPs who exited (Umno). We have not received any letter," the officer said.
'No press conference'
Reporters who waited outside the Special Chamber were requested to leave and also told that Yamani did not want to hold a press conference after the swearing-in.
"Okay, please dismiss, there is no press conference," a Parliament officer said, before the order was repeated by an auxiliary police officer.
It was learned that Yamani then left the Parliament building by the back door.
Several reporters, unhappy at not being allowed to speak to Yamani, later went to Ariff's office to seek clarification. They were told by an officer to speak to Dewan Rakyat secretary Roosme Hamzah.
Another officer, who declined to be named, later apologised and explained that there was no instruction to prevent reporters from interviewing Yamani.
