In a Facebook post, special functions minister Ariffin Arif said the seven were led by Sabah Umno deputy chief Yakub Khan, who is also the Karambunai assemblyman.

The others were Andi Muhamad Suryady Bandy (Tanjung Batu), Hamsan Ag Supain (Sungai Sibuga), James Ratib (Sugut), Harun Durabi (Bengkoka), Dr Yusof Yacob (Sindumin) and Raimie Unggi, who is an appointed assemblyman.

A gathering of Sabah Umno assemblymen at the party’s headquarters in Kota Kinabalu state yesterday sparked talk of a coup by the party and Warisan to oust Hajiji, the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) chairman.

Warisan president Shafie Apdal subsequently called for a press conference at 4.30pm only for it to be called off after a two-hour delay.

Before that, Pakatan Harapan and GRS assemblymen pledged their undivided support for Hajiji, who took office following the state polls in September 2020.