KOTA KINABALU, Oct 15 — A video has surfaced online showing Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Wetrom Bahanda claiming he was defecting to Parti Warisan.

In the video being shared on social media, the Bandau assemblyman claimed he would contest the Kota Marudu federal seat for Warisan in the 15th general election.

"Today I announce I will contest on a Warisan ticket,” he said in a video to applause and cheers from the crowd.

He said he had heard opinions from the people in Tandek, Matunggong and Bandau and they have given him their blessings.

He later asked the crowd to join him in a group photo.

It was not clear from the video where he was speaking and for what purpose.

The Warisan Wirawati for Kota Belud Facebook page also posted an update today alleging that Wetrom has left Bersatu to join Warisan.

However, Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal refused to confirm this and denied meeting Wetrom.

"When the time comes, I will announce,” he said when asked at an event in Kinarut today.

"On Facebook, don’t believe everything you hear. I haven’t even met him yet,” he said, adding that there were many possibilities to what will happen.

Wetrom, a first-time assemblyman, won his seat in the 2020 Sabah election on a Perikatan Nasional ticket.

Malay Mail is contacting Wetrom for his comments.