KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA - The Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) moved a step closer to being expelled from Barisan Nasional as it endorsed its president Datuk Yong Teck Lee's call to support a vote of no-confidence against the Prime Minister.

The move virtually turns what was labelled Yong's "personal view" to the official stand of the party, thus opening it up to disciplinary action from the coalition.

The reaction from the leaders of various Barisan component parties ranged from advising SAPP to voluntarily leave the coalition to outright calls for it to be expelled.

Other developments yesterday were:

> Barisan chief whip Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the two SAPP MPs will face action if they support a no-confidence vote,

> SAPP looks set for a split as one of its deputy presidents breaks ranks over the no-faith motion; and

> The Anti-Corruption Agency will investigate Yong for the alleged payment of RM5mil profit from the sale of shares in a state-owned company to his agents.