Masidi also downplayed Usno’s exit, saying it was part of “the ever-changing and unpredictable political reality in the state”, Bernama reported.

“People will come and go. But, for now, there are already new applications from other political parties,” he was quoted as saying.

He said politics is “very fluid” and that it is sometimes impossible to predict what will happen beyond the next day.

He said GRS chairman Hajiji Noor will announce the parties who had applied to join GRS at the appropriate time.

Masidi said he wished Usno had stayed on, but respected the party’s decision.

“I think we part as friends, not as enemies, and that is the most important thing,” he said.

GRS information chief Joniston Bangkuai said he understood Usno’s reasons for quitting the coalition because of incompatibility.

On Wednesday, Usno announced that it was leaving GRS, some four years after it was admitted as a coalition member, citing incompatibility with the state government’s policies and style of administration, especially following the state election.

The party has also relinquished all state government-related posts.